Posted on 12/08/2017
It is in our nature to desire improvement in the way our government operates, no matter where we fall on the political spectrum. But some people actually do more than talk – they take action. The Francis Howell High School Youth and Government (also known as Youth in Government) group took their first step toward affecting positive change when they recently traveled to Jefferson City, Missouri, for the YAG annual state convention. If they are the future of government, then the future looks bright.
Youth and Government (YAG) is a student-driven simulation of state government, which annually involves 1,000 Missouri students in Grades 8-12. Beginning in the fall of each year, students come together in their local delegations to choose their roles, register and prepare for the YAG State Convention.
Jennifer Flores, a social studies teacher at FHHS and a National Board Certified Teacher, is the advisor for the FHHS group. She said, “Youth and Government allows for students to learn about civic engagement. Student participation reinforces their understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship in the state of Missouri, as well as the United States.”
It’s a chance for even the newest Vikings to take a leadership role among their peers. Grace Juan, a freshman at FHHS, stated, “Youth and government helps to build leadership skills… as students work together to solve problems.”
Using the Missouri Constitution as a guideline, the students create their version of state government. Just like real politicians, participants from across the state met in the Capitol, gathering in committees and debating legislation in the House and Senate chambers. Mock trials gave students the opportunity to act as attorneys and judges. And there were even simulations for the Fourth Estate – the media.
The entire event is covered by a student newspaper, published four times in three days, and by a student television news program that airs several times each day. Participants also engage in campaigns and elections for officers who will serve during the following year. Congratulations to FHHS’s 57 students who attended this great event.
FHHS Highlights:
- Andrea Lin received the Best Written Bill Award
- Tara Anderson and Lera Ramsay received the Most Debatable Bill Award
- Howell Judicial teams won 4 out of 6 cases
- Alex Li was chosen to try a case in the final rounds of court cases
- Rebecca Amos was chosen as the Co-Editor in Chief of Print Media for the convention next year