MSSM in Augusta

Every year, high school students from around Maine converge in Augusta for the statewide Maine Youth in Government Conference. This event is a simulation of a state government lasting for three days. This activity is organized via the State YMCA in Maine. The activity targets students in grades 9 to 12 in public schools, private organizations, and homeschools. Before attending the Maine Youth in Government Conference, student delegations are supposed to prepare by learning about parliamentary procedure, bill writing, and speeches to be delivered. This helps them get involved in state government as lawmakers, judges, lobbyists, and media when in Augusta.

Over the weekend, students can write and sponsor their own bills concerning issues that matter to them. Then act as members of committees responsible for analyzing and amending existing laws. To push their bills, they engage in debate in the House and Senate chambers, and finally track the bill end-to-end until a final vote is taken and then until it reaches the Youth Governor's desk.

The entire schedule is organized with a focus on providing hands-on experiences for those involved to see how Maine's government functions. Objectives include learning more about current issues within Maine as a state, increasing public speaking skills, and learning how to interact with individuals who may be opposing but must still enable a bill to pass. Maine's Youth in Government Program has one of the longest histories in America, with more than eight decades of youth involvement.

This year, 25 MSSM sophomores, juniors, and seniors attended the convention in Augusta to represent our school. They were tasked with drafting a bill and then being assigned to a committee based on their bill. They heard representations, asked questions, debated, and voted for other bills introduced by other schools in the state. A member of our school community who made us proud in 2024 was Mia Shaw (Class of ’26), who was elected Youth Governor. As Mia's time had come to a close, it was nice to see an MSSM Penguin sign our bills into "law". The new Youth Governor is David Shaw. Yes, the last names are not coincidental. David is Mia's younger brother. For our students, the weekend was filled with serious debate, new friendships, and lots of laughter in between. But most importantly, it gave them a glimpse of how their voices matter and how they can help shape Maine's future.

Photo Credit: Easton Allen