Washington High School Youth and Government students attended the State Conference November 13–15 in Jefferson City, marking the first time since 2019 that WHS has sent a delegation to the statewide event.

The Youth and Government State Conference brings together students from across Missouri to create and operate their own model of state government. During the three-day simulation held at the Missouri State Capitol, participants serve as legislators, judges, attorneys, journalists, and elected officials while experiencing the processes of state government firsthand.

Representing Washington High School were Makaylah Hawkins, Paula Marquez Diaz, Clara Frame, Kaylin Sullenger, Brennan Sullivan, Elijah Mathes, Miles Grimes, Alex Cowsert and Louie Risch. Allison Chaney serves as the WHS sponsor.

Out of over 600 students, Miles Grimes was one of 15 to be awarded the honor of Outstanding Statesperson, based on quality debate of legislation and application of parliamentary procedure. Paula Marquez Diaz was one of 15 to be awarded the honor of Outstanding Bill, based on the writing and structure as well as presentation and defense of a bill. 

Legislators meet in committees and in the House and Senate chambers to present and debate proposed bills. Attorneys argue appellate cases before student judges and participate in trial competitions, while student journalists report on the proceedings, publish updates, and cover the event’s major debates and elections. Participants also campaign for and elect presiding officers who will serve in leadership roles at next year’s conference.

Washington’s delegation included nine student delegates who participated in the General Assembly. Each student researched and wrote a bill on a topic of personal interest, including conservation, libraries, parental leave, artificial intelligence, and more. Delegates practiced parliamentary procedure and followed the same process used by the Missouri General Assembly, presenting and debating their bills in committee. Bills that advanced were then voted on by the full chambers before seeking approval from the student governor.

WHS also had one student journalist who introduced the Washington delegation, conducted interviews, and reported on the presentations, debates, and legislative actions throughout the event.

The Youth and Government program, sponsored by the YMCA, provides students with an immersive experience in civic engagement. Through participation, students build skills in research, debate, public speaking, networking, and leadership while gaining a deeper understanding of how government functions.

 

Washington High School Youth and Government students attended the State Conference November 13–15 in Jefferson City. Front row, from left, are WHS teacher and club sponsor Allison Chaney, Makaylah Hawkins, Paula Marquez Diaz, Clara Frame and Kaylin Sullenger. Back row, from left, are Brennan Sullivan, Elijah Mathes, Miles Grimes, Alex Cowsert and Louie Risch.

 

Paula Marquez Diaz was one of 15 to be awarded the honor of Outstanding Bill, based on the writing and structure as well as presentation and defense of a bill. Miles Grimes was one of 15 to be awarded the honor of Outstanding Statesperson, based on quality debate of legislation and application of parliamentary procedure.

 

Washington High School Youth and Government students on the steps of the State Capitol in Jefferson City.