Texas Youth and Government

Joe Valenzuela and Vincent Nguyen have never met, but they shared the same job for four days. Valenzuela has served for the past five years in the office of the Texas House Sergeant-at-arms. Nguyen is one of his YG counterparts. “Our job is to maintain decorum on the House floor,” Valenzuela said. “Decorum can mean anything from arguments on the House floor, or people not following the correct proceedings or wearing the correct uniform.” On a day-to-day basis, this means striving to maintain the rules of the House in all their forms. “Decorum can. Mean the way the process is happening, so we are making sure that process is smooth and correct,” Valenzuela said. The Sergeant-at-arms’s office sits right outside the House entrance and allows them to enforce strict laws about whether or not a person is allowed into the House. “I’m supposed to assist the lobbyists if they come in. So if they’re looking for a member of the House, they can’t go inside the House, so I find them for them,” Nguyen said. During his first day on the job, this was one of Nguyen’s main roles. “If someone from the Senate comes in and they’re trying to get their bill passed in the Senate and over here, they’ll need to talk to me to choose a sponsor,” Nguyen said. When the House functions well, this can mean a mundane day relaying messages. But, during times of contention, the duties of a Sergeant-at-arms can be drastically transformed. “We have a regular routine, but it depends on how contentious the bill can be,” Valenzuela said. “If it’s a crazy day and there are a lot of bills that need to go on, we can be running around all day until three in the morning when we’d started at nine.”

Written By: Elaine Carte-Engel

Real-life words of the three goals Joey plans to do for us if he is nominated for Governor

Of the three running for Governor, there is Joey Maguire. Maguire has been in the Youth and Government program for three years now. He has been to CONA (Conference on National Affairs) and won distinguished delegates at district and state levels. Maguire also had one of his written Bills signed into the Law. Not only has he done things for the Youth and Government program, but he has also done great things for his school at Vista Ridge, such as rebuilding a club that he was once the vice president of but is now the club president.

Maguire believes in three platforms: those are believing in more conferences, more community advocacy, and more evaluators. “More conferences are pretty self-explanatory; it would just be little imitations or like regional areas within the districts that would allow more people to get more practice in and feedback for the district and state conferences when it is really going to matter,” said Maguire. This factor is the most efficient for all of the Texas districts in the Youth And Government because it allows us Delegates need to practice more and understand the sections in which we participate. This The goal will also allow us to understand the real world.

“More community advocacy. Everyone here wants to get involved in the community. Still, we are stuck doing Mock Trial and Government right now. So this will allow us to not only go out and volunteer through YMCA or organized events. I would hope we’d also be able to meet with local cities and government officials that dictate the laws, and we get to not only talk to them, but we learn things as well and develop our skills in Youth and Government,” Maguire said. Having more community advocacy will give us great opportunities in the future, such as in our resumes for our dream jobs or just in general. Choosing community advocacy for the betterment of youth and government will also let us delegates closely examine the YMCA.

“And Finally, more evaluators, I’m not sure if Media has this problem much, but legislative, when I was in the district, I know it seemed like there were never enough elevators, and even when there was a good amount, some of them seemed less experienced. So, I will bring in more evaluators to supplement it and train through Zoom sessions for more experienced evaluators or students, perhaps the governors, secondary state, lieutenant governors, or a speaker. And ideally, since most of those district conferences are in some larger city with a college, I thought it would be perfect if we employed college students,” said Maguire. Maguire believes without a doubt that all he says will indeed happen. He shows us as his community that trust is the number one feeling we should put in him to improve Youth and Government and give us a great future.

Written by: Mia Godoy

Legislative is a significant part of the Youth and Government program and the community. Legislation is a big part of the Youth and government program because it deals with writing, debating, and presenting bills.

According to the Youth and Government website, “This experience increases awareness of how our state government works and pertinent current events.” One student was deeply inspired by her teacher to pass a bill on the number of credible news sources in Texas. “My bill focuses on what is and isn’t a reliable news source. So we have news first coming from tons of different areas, whether it be your TV channels or the radio. My bill is just another precaution of what we can count as reliable or unbiased so we can use it for college essays and for actual sources, and we can trust the news coming from our state.” Rian Leiser said. She is very passionate about not only her bill but Youth and Government as well. “My teacher, our adviser, only shows us news from the New York Times because that is the only place he can trust and is the least biased, and they state if it’s a journal idea or article. So that inspired me to be like, well, what if we had a list of all the places stating that they were unbiased and following protocols.” Leiser said. For her, Youth and Government isn’t just a club but an insight into her future career. “Whenever they introduced the club a year ago when we first started for my school, I got excited like, oh my gosh, it’s just me doing what I wanna do forever, just two years early, so it was very exciting.” She is very hopeful for the outcome of this whole process. “I hope to carry these life lessons with me moving forward in life.”

Written by: Marley Nervais

In the center of Texas, budding legal minds merge for a thrilling showcase of advocacy and courtroom drama at the annual Texas Youth and Government Mock Trial competition. This year’s trial captivated participants and spectators alike with its intriguing storyline and thought-provoking legal twists.

“This year’s case is different because we hear from the defendant. Last year, we only had witness testimonies,” said Nalani Cox, defense attorney. Held at the Capital of Texas, teams from high schools across the state gather to test their legal prowess and strategic awareness in front of a panel of esteemed judges. “I would say it’s a mixture of an electric feeling and buzzing with anticipation, “Leslie Contreras, prosecutor, said. “When stepping into the courtroom, a sense of electric buzz goes through you as you are put into somewhat of a battlefield where you must argue and object your way through it.”

The case centered around a controversial incident involving a police officer who found himself in a perplexing predicament. The prosecution argued that the officer had unlawfully detained a suspect without probable cause, while the defense contended that the officer’s actions were justified in the pursuit of public safety. “Police brutality/excessive force is a common news topic and issue. It brings attention to such an important topic and shows both sides of an ever-dividing story,” Cox said.

As the trial unfolded, each team meticulously crafted their opening statements, skillfully examined witnesses, and passionately delivered closing arguments. Witness testimonies provided riveting insights into the events leading up to the arrest. Every objection raised, every cross-examination maneuvered, and every argument articulated demonstrated the dedication and diligence of these young advocates. After careful consideration of the evidence and compelling arguments presented by both sides, the judge rendered its verdict, bringing the trial to a conclusion.”The feeling at the end of a trial is both exhilarating and exhausting. Knowing we did our best, but also putting all our energy into it is tiring, “Cox said.

Written by: Elianna Balderas

In Joey Maguire’s journey to running for Governor, he reflects on the moments that pushed him to run for Youth and Government’s 78th Governor. He got his influence from a few of the other candidates in Kona. “I was kind of on the fence about running already, but at Kona, I met Ethan Chen and Preston Lee, and
Elliot ultimately resulted in me running for Governor.” Inspired by these people, the candidate emphasizes the need for change if he got the potential role. His goals are to have “more conferences, more evaluators, more advocacy.” These visions highlight his desire for inclusiveness, cost efficiency, and community engagement. The candidate’s qualifications include many extracurriculars with a record of three years in Youth and Government, achievements in public speaking, and multiple leadership roles. He emphasizes, “I’m a good candidate with a well-rounded experience.” While conveying the priorities of a governor, the candidate will do his best to keep his promises. He is committed to doing everything he can to ensure Youth and Government runs smoothly. “I really want to make sure I get as much as possible through, and I just want to follow through with my promises.” Engaging with other Youth and Government participants is at the top of his list.

His strategy includes direct face-to-face visits at local schools. While understanding the underlying issues of physical presence, he plans to have an open Instagram page where everyone can socialize. Maguire affirms, “I’ll try to visit as many local schools in my area to get real answers on what is bothering them.” To measure his progress, the candidate plans to utilize social media to its fullest extent. It is a digital trail of all of Youth and Government’s milestones and accomplishments. “Instagram is a great tool, and it’s easy for people to access,” he notes, emphasizing its effect of keeping participants informed at all times. In his journey to becoming a governor, Joey explains his inspiration, goals, qualifications, and commitment to better communicate. With many strategic plans, Maguire outlines his vision for change in Youth and Government and plans to represent and serve participants effectively. VOTE JOEY MAGUIRE!

Written by: Tyler Tran

My name is Gael Realivazquez, and this is my second year at the Texas government. When I first joined TXYG, I was confused, nervous, and scared that I would mess everything up. When I went to the district, I was so lost, but without the help and encouragement of the people their help so much, Without I wouldn’t be here and what I know. Once I heard that I made a statement, I was so happy and appreciated those who helped. We went to the Renaissance Hotel for the first year and it was really nice. I was so excited because the competition was in the capital and I was part of the media department. I had so much fun exploring and meeting new people and had a good time overall. I also got to see all my friends who helped me. I knew this was what I wanted to keep doing, and I fell right in.

In the second year, I was excited because I heard that the state would be at a hotel water park. I know that competition was complex and more challenging this year, but that wanted to push me more. I did all my assignments, and in December, they told me I made it, and I was so happy. Now, here I am at State Conference, I enjoy it, but you still have to work and compete. Mostly, the water is enjoyable, and the hotel is so much fun. I highly suggest you do this; you won’t regret it. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and maybe this will help you in the future if you’re interested in continuing this in life. Don’t forget many different things at the TXYG; learn and explore what fits you.

Written by, Gael Realivazquez

Youth and Government is a great club recommended for all youth. Don’t take my word for it. Ask the governor candidates of youth and Government. I interviewed the governor candidates of Youth and Government and found that this club has helped them very much in life. Preston Lee, a governor candidate, stated that Youth and Government helped him improve as a person, get involved, and become passionate about other clubs and groups. He said he ran for governor because he saw his seniors get elected, who greatly helped him. He decided to be like them and help new Youth and Government members. He also stated that it helped him become a great public speaker and motivated him to become a better/improved version of himself. Another governor candidate, Ethan Chen, noted that Youth and Government helped him become a better public speaker and motivated him to join other clubs such as speech and debate. He also states how he made many friends along the way and how his seniors and peers inspired “My goat Ryan Lee” (Ethan Chen, Governor candidate), which made him run for governor.

As stated by two governor candidates of youth and Government, we can see how great this club is. It helps the youth become better public speakers, and it helps them find their passion. It helps them interact with new people and make new friends, get inspired by others, and inspire others in their journey in youth and Government. It motivates the youth to push through their limits. It makes them become a better and more interactive, motivated, and passionate person in life. Youth and Government is not only about the government and politics but also about the overall character-building of the youth.

Written by: Krrish Mohammed