Garland High School
Garland High School’s (GHS) YG adult advisor Timothy Schmidt converses with a student who voices their concerns to him.
Timothy Schmidt, GHS’s Teacher-Sponsor, Exemplifies What It Means To Be a YG Advisor
Youth and Government (YG) is a program that demands much from its participants. Students are expected to carry out and gain coverage over the law in action. However, just like with any extracurricular school club, the program requires the assistance of adult volunteers to function. Here at the TXYG State Conference, such assistance is of utmost importance as having a mass of teenagers from across the entire state all gathered up in one resort/hotel will unequivocally call for adult regulation. While adults all over the state have stepped up and taken on the role of adult advisor for their delegation, one man has been able to set himself apart from the rest. Garland High School ECHS Magnet Advisor and YG Sponsor Timothy Schmidt has proved himself to be one of the best at his job as an adult volunteer. Schmidt states that his undertaking as GHS’s YG teacher-sponsor was prompted by his “[passion] for the youth getting involved in government” and wanting to aid in students experiencing first-hand how the governmental system works. Due to being “worried with where our state of government affairs is heading,” Schmidt believes in assisting the future generation in taking the government “by the reins” and “[redirecting] it [the government] back towards the way the founders intended.”Although Schmidt has dedicatedly carried out his responsibilities as an advisor, such could not have happened without at least a few sacrifices on his part. Though Schmidt harbors a passion for what he does, aspects such as “managing communication avenues” and ensuring that everything is “clear and concise” are somewhat difficult to juggle with his usual teacher duties. Consequently, Schmidt has had to “put aside his some personal appointments and engagements” to be there and present for YG Club members. His hard work and sacrifice have not gone unnoticed, though. GHS Senior and YG President Lindsey Khuu expresses her appreciation for Schmidt as the club’s sponsor. “He is always active and present within the club,” states Khuu. “Although I do tend to stress-spam him with emails and texts concerning matters with YG, he is always able to help out and relieve some burden off my shoulders.”Although YG is often focused on the well-being and accomplishments of its student participants, the time and effort our adult volunteers put into this program should not go unnoticed. Next time you spot an advisor or volunteer roaming the hallways of Kalahari, don’t forget to thank them for their hard work!