Building Democratic Muscles

Inside Greenhill’s TX YG Delegation and the advisor guiding Its growth.

At Greenhill, students involved in Youth and Government don’t just learn about our government, but they actively practice it. Now in her second year as the delegation advisor, Mrs. Hensen stepped into the role after being encouraged by one of her own students. “This is my second year as the advisor,” she explained. After arriving at Greenhill mid-year and beginning to teach AP Government, one of her students approached her about sponsoring the club. The program had already been established at Greenhill, but they were looking for a new advisor.

Mrs.Hensen’s decision to lead Youth and Government reflects her broader philosophy about civic participation. She believes that living in a democracy comes with responsibility. “If you live in a democracy, you should participate in it,” she shared. “That’s one of the reasons why people choose democratic countries.”  For her, Youth and Government is more than a competition. It is a training ground for active citizenship. Students gain “an understanding of civics” and begin to see “how exciting, but challenging the democratic process can be.” Through drafting bills, debating legislation, campaigning for office, and writing articles, delegates experience the realities of governance firsthand.

She describes the program as a way for students to strengthen what she calls their “democratic muscles.” Youth and Government provides opportunities for students to practice leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement before entering adulthood. Delegates even experience simulated elections long before they are eligible to votethemselves.

By guiding students through this process, Greenhill’s delegation continues to grow as a space where young people do not simply learn about democracy but actively engage in it. Under Mrs.Hensen’s leadership, the program encourages students to understand their role in shaping the systems they are part of and prepares them to participate thoughtfully in the world beyond the classroom.

Story By: Lola Sagoe, Greenhill School