Highlights from the
42nd Annual of YMCA of Delaware’s
Youth in Government Model Legislative Conference
Click here to view pictures from the weekend
In Legislative Hall on Sunday, April 11th, the 42nd annual Youth in Government Model Legislature recessed. It was an incredible weekend full of opportunities for leadership development, strengthening the resolve of the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility and forming memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
After months of preparation, 59 teens from five YMCAs served as presiding officers, representatives, senators, or as a member of the press or page corps. Twelve adult delegation advisors and six alumni resource advisors provided guidance for the three day conference.
Youth Governor Holly Firlein took the following action
49 bills were presented during our three day Model Legislature. Youth Governor Firlein signed the following thirteen bills (copies of these bills can be found starting on page 6):
Passed and signed Legislation
o Delaware Death With Dignity Act: written by Daniel Buri
o Sex Offender Registry Act: written by Matthew Roarty
o Educational Property Tax Equalization Act: written by Duncan McNeil
o Childs Breathe Right Act: written by Marguerite White
o Dog Safety Act: written by Katelyn Gebbia
o Violent Felony Probation Reform Act: written by Vinnie Ryan
o Zero Tolerance Act: written by Bimal Amin
o Juvenile Delinquent National Guard Act: written by Sarah Brophy
o Small Business Tax Reduction Act: written by Ben Mazur
o Nutrition Chart Act: written by Jasmine Tabron and Aaliyah Griggs
o Organic Milk Act: written by Megan Rise
o Motorcycle Safety Act: written by Stephanie O'Mahoney
o First Responders Emergency Light Act: written by Joseph Esposito
2011 Youth Governor Elect
Youth Governor Elect, Matthew Roarty, Western Family YMCA
Mr. Matthew Roarty served as Chief Clerk of the House for his first year in Youth in Government and a member of the Senate for his second year. Youth in Government has provided Mr. Roarty with an opportunity to voice his opinion and has allowed him to gain more confidence. Mr. Roarty is looking forward to giving back to the program.
Press Corps
This years YIG Observer was led by Editor-in-Chief, Samantha Jamgochian, Sussex Family YMCA. With the help of an alumni advisor, three full time reporters and two part time reporters (pictured below) made up the Press Corps. Together, they published three issues of the YIG Observer.
Page Corps
Two 8th grade students, with guidance from a former Youth in Government participant (pictured below), ensured the House, Senate and Governor’s Office communicated effectively by delivering bills and countless notes to the governor, presiding officers and delegates in both chambers.
Awards and Recognitions
Outstanding Senator – Robert Pritchard, Bear/Glasgow YMCA
Outstanding Representative – Cliff Hegedus, Western Family YMCA
Character Development Award – Robert Pritchard, Bear/Glasgow YMCA
James C. Hardcastle Servant Leadership Award – Edward Elia, Western Family YMCA
Adult Service to Youth Award – Lillian Nichols, Walnut St. YMCA advisor
Outstanding First Year delegate
Joseph Esposito, Sussex Family YMCA
Samantha Jamgochian, Sussex Family YMCA
Aric Liddel, Walnut St. YMCA
Ben Mazur, Western Family YMCA
Alyssa O’Mahony, Sussex Family YMCA
Outstanding Piece of Legislation
Katie Alexander for the Financial Policy for SEED Students Act
Sarah Brophy for the Juvenille Delinquent National Guard Act
Duncan McNeil for the Education Property Tax Equalization Act
Outstanding Press Delegate
Samantha Jamgochian, Sussex Family YMCA
YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs Delegates
The pinnacle of success for any YIG delegate is to be chosen by his/her peers and advisors to attend the prestigious national YMCA conference at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The following young people received this honor:
Katie Alexander Cliff Hegedus
Katie Mackenzie Kristine Andres
Dan Buri Aric Liddell
Robert Pritchard Matt Roarty
Kevin Sun Holly Firlein
Mock Trial team
Led by three attorney coaches from the Wilmington based law firm, Richards, Layton, & Finger, seven Youth in Government delegates from the Western Family YMCA participated in the Delaware High School Mock Trial competition.
Alumni Resource Staff Return
A former Governor, Eli Turkel – Youth Governor 2004, along with two other advisors, prepared the Western Family YMCA delegation for the conference. Anna Galati – Youth Governor 2008 provided on the spot statistics and Parli Pro expertise. A former youth representative, Kim Pulmano, Youth Representative from 2004- 2008 acted as an advisor for the pages. Christy Gleason, Youth Senator from 1987 - 1990 acted as a resource advisor. Former state director, Rocky Bushweller and former advisor, Colleen Hogan provided help and expertise throughout the weekend.
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