JOHN KAEMPF HONOREES AND BIL THEISS HONOREES – These awards recognize former Youth and Government State Directors John Kaempf (’73-’84) a former CEO of the Ft. Worth YMCA and Bill Theiss (’84-’93) (a former CEO of Waxahachie YMCA). Both of these gentlemen retired from full-time service at local YMCA’s to give further outstanding service to Texas Youth and Government. Their servant leadership embodies all that YG teaches and is modeled by recipients of these awards.

SUZANNE MABIE AWARD – This award recognizes Suzanne Mabie, former YMCA Youth and Government State Director in Louisiana and Texas and while State Director for Texas, Ms. Mabie created the YMCA Texas Junior Youth and Government Program. Additionally, Ms. Mabie later worked with YMCA of the USA as a Technical Advisor for Youth Events as well as Youth and Government support. Her dedication, kindness and passion for serving youth and teens have positively impacted program participants, YMCA staff and volunteers throughout the country. In her honor, we present this award to an outstanding YMCA Staff or Volunteer of the YMCA Texas Junior Youth and Government Program who embodies outstanding servant- leadership.

The YMCA Texas Youth Governor represents the highest level of student leadership within the YMCA Texas Youth and Government program. Each year, students campaign for this position and are elected by their peers to serve as the voice of the program and help lead the State Conference. Youth Governors embody the values of the YMCA—caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility—while demonstrating outstanding leadership, dedication to civic engagement, and a commitment to serving others. Through their leadership, Youth Governors inspire fellow delegates to actively participate in democracy and carry forward the mission of Youth and Government.