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Youth in Government Delegation Heads to Augusta

2010-03-05

Fourteen students from the Maine School of Science and Mathematics are headed to the State House in Augusta for the weekend. For over 60 years the State YMCA of Maine, has given student leaders from all over our State a chance to come together to discuss and debate the issues the see facing our State. Maine's Youth in Government program is unique in that it allows these students the opportunity to serve as a Model Legislature, while actually being in the State House using the House and Senate Chambers.

In 2009, MSSM's Caleb Davis (Solon, Maine) was the Youth Governor. This year, Alex Foley (Brewer) is a candidate for Youth Governor, carrying on MSSM's tradition of students' dedication and belief in the political process. Six members of this year's delegation hold leadership positions ranging from President of the Senate, Robert Costa (Machiasport), to Lobbyist for Natural Resources, Isabelle O'Bryon (Hallowell). The delegation also includes James Jelin(Kennebunkport),Devin Ward(Greenville Junction),Casey Thornton(Waterboro),Belle O'Bryon(Hallowell),Alex Foley(Brewer),Lucy Wicox(New Gloucester),Gregory Ramey(Rumford);back row:Pat Brown(Lisbon Falls),Alden Porter(So.Portland),and Hattie Welch(E.Vassellboro).

This years program will be held at the State House on March 5-6-7, 2010. The program is open to any high school student grades 9 to 12. Program Director Lonney Steeves, would like to invite high school students and teachers to become involved in this year's program. In this highly charged political environment this program gives students with an interest in politics, and debate a great chance to experience how Maine's government actually works first hand while sitting as a member of the House or Senate.

Participants in the Youth in Government program write all of the bills that are debated over the weekend, elect all of the student leaders including a Youth Governor, and actively serve in every role from Lobbyist to Governor's Cabinet.

Last year students wrote bills dealing with issues covering a broad spectrum that were debated.

Topics ranged from:

** Prohibition of Cell Phones while driving a car

** Mandatory Boat Washes at all boat landings

** Student Representatives on School boards

** Proper disposal of CFC's

** Creation of a "Fair Tax" system.