( TX YG delegates during a mock trial)

( TX YG delegates during a mock trial)

By Dorcas Owala

John Marshall Law and Medical Services High School

From the gallery above, the scene looked like any official legislative session — until you realized every lawmaker on the floor was a high school delegate. At the Capitol Building, YG YMCA legislative delegates start their debate inside Senate chambers. In this building, the delegates debate mock legislation in a process that closely mirrors the process of the Texas Legislature. “Ne!”, “Aie!”, “State your motion,” Proponent and Opponent slips, Amendments, “Yield time to chair,” two-minute opening, etc. These procedures not only keep the debate in order, but they depict real-life legislative debates in Texas.

The Legislative section involves participants identifying issues for legislation. Bill writing, debating, bill presentation, and participation in a legislative body are the main jobs of a legislature. For many delegates, the moment was about more than winning a vote. It was about learning how to articulate ideas under pressure, listen to opposing viewpoints, and engage respectfully in disagreement. Parliamentary procedure shaped each exchange, ensuring order while encouraging conviction.

Inside the historic chamber, debate was not symbolic. It was structured, strategic, and deeply personal. Delegates rose to defend proposals addressing real-world issues — from mental health funding to education reform — citing statistics, responding to cross-examination, and negotiating amendments. The portraits lining the walls served as a reminder of past lawmakers, but on this day, the responsibility of governance rested with students determined to make their voices heard.

Legislator’s Mind

Wenzel, a legislative delegate, says, “I think it’s really interesting because there’s such a diverse amount of bills, some covering agriculture life, classrooms, and other things. The hardest thing was going up and speaking because my mind goes completely blank. Being out there and talking to me and other fellow delegates is really refreshing to know that everyone’s been in that position and I can relax and keep going.” For many delegates, the chamber floor transforms into a classroom without walls — one where leadership was tested not by grades, but by courage and leadership.

As debate concluded and votes were cast, one truth became clear: the power of student-led government lies not only in the legislation passed, but in the confidence built, the empathy developed, and the civic responsibility awakened. All of the legislatures do have to keep in mind the procedures as a legislature. Another leg delegate says, “Since I’ve been doing it for so long, it’s kind of become muscle memory. You just have to be present with the debate that’s going on and be aware of what the delegates’ needs are. Really just make sure that you’re moving at the right pace.” Delegates listened carefully, they scribbled notes to prepare their debate pros, cons, and amendment debates.

Finality

As votes fill up the room with Ne’s and Aie’s on bill decisions, delegates lead the debate with respect, dialogue, professionalism, and hope that one day the practice will be put into play.

For some, this was their first time speaking publicly in front of their peers. For others, it was a preparation for future careers in law, politics, or advocacy. But for all, it was a lesson in civic responsibility: democracy is not passive.

Beneath the beautifully sculpted historic building, the most powerful thing in the chamber was not the gavel, it was the voice. The voices of all youth delegates who not only care about democracy but of the world. The world where they will be the change and voice of America.

By Naden Ramirez

W.B Ray

Alysa Liu, a member of the U.S. Olympic team, won the first individual gold medal in women’s figure skating since 2002, capturing hearts across the country. Although this wasn’t the only thing that caught people’s attention, her striking, striped hair distinguished her from the rest. As Alysa herself puts it, she “likes to think of herself as a tree,” where each new stripe represents her growth over the years.

At the YMCA Youth and Government 79th State Conference, all anyone can see is a sea of black coats and trousers, yet in that sea of black, you are able to notice one girl wearing an all-pink suit set. Her name is Simer Singh.

Singh is one of many promising delegates running for Texas Youth Governor. Her bright pink outfit reflects her warm and inviting personality. She demonstrates how those who aren’t afraid to express themselves visually, like Alysa, stand out the brightest. Her decision to wear this outfit is certainly an insightful one, as she expresses that “I love pink in general, it’s a really pretty color, so cute… But I wear pink for breast cancer awareness.” She further explains that “It is a very near and dear [topic] to me… The reason why I’m so involved with HOSA and the Red Cross… is because I want to go into medicine and become an oncologist to help women with breast cancer.”

Simer started her Youth and Government journey in 7th grade as a part of the State Affairs Forum section, expertly and confidently expressing her beliefs and meeting incredible people. Yet, she didn’t start this way as she explains, “So when I started Youth and Government in 7th grade, that was after quarantine… and I just became a very reserved person. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, and I became insecure of myself.” Through YG, Singh was able to branch out as it forced her to talk to new people, try and participate, and helped her become more confident in expressing her beliefs.

The experience of YG and the impact that it had on her life led her to run for Texas Youth Governor, stating that “I love this program and it’s made me who I am today… I just love it [and] want to make it better for everyone.”

Singh is running for governor on three main platforms. First, if she is elected, Singh seeks to strengthen the YMCA’s core values: honesty, care, respect, and responsibility. Second, she wishes to implement a buddy system, which pairs new delegates with seasoned ones in order to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. Third, she seeks to improve communication through the implementation of a year-round system, as the current platform isn’t the strongest, with the only form of communication being the Yapp App.

Singh, with her striking all-pink outfit, reflects the idea that those who stand out shine the brightest. Yet through her story, you realize that she didn’t get there alone. Her advice to students who want to join is “Join… I really have found a home here… [and] I encourage everyone to go.” The Youth and Government program really set her up for success, and regardless of how long you’ve been a part of the club or how many awards you’ve won, her story shows the impact it has on everyone’s lives. Alysa Liu used her hair to show her growth over the years, and Singh’s all-pink outfit is a reflection of Youth and Government’s impact and the growth she’s gone through over the years.

Austin, TX — For the prosecution opening statement, Stella Rios, representing Texas, accuses Harper Lynn of murdering Cody Maddox, her political opponent, on February 3. The prosecution plans to present evidence from three witnesses to prove Lynn’s guilt. Detective Jordan Reeves will detail the investigation, including suspicious activities and evidence like laptop searches and wire transfers. IT expert Riley Knox will testify about the digital trail. Finally, Jamie Tiernan will outline the strained relationship between Lynn and Maddox. The state aims to prove Lynn’s guilt in murder, conspiracy, and solicitation beyond a reasonable doubt.

For the defendant opening statement, the defense attorney emphasizes the gravity of the case involving Harper Lynn, a community servant accused of murdering Cody Maddox. The attorney urges the jury to focus on proven facts rather than assumptions, asserting that there is no direct evidence linking Harper to the crime. The prosecution must prove three counts: murder, criminal conspiracy, and criminal solicitation. The defense argues that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution, which must demonstrate Harper’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The attorney expresses confidence that the evidence will exonerate Harper, portraying her as a victim of misunderstandings and unfounded accusations.

For the prosecution’s closing statement, the prosecution emphasizes the comprehensive evidence against Harper Lynn, highlighting the physical and digital footprints that pointed to her intentional actions. Jordan Reeves, the lead investigator, detailed the timeline and red flags indicating premeditation. Riley Knox, a digital forensic expert, uncovered deleted tweets and suspicious online activities. Jamie Tiernan provided a motive, citing the strained relationship between Lynn and Cody Maddox. Even the defense’s witnesses acknowledged evidence linking Lynn to the crimes. The prosecution also noted inconsistencies in the testimonies of defense witnesses and urged the court to convict Lynn on all charges.

For the defendant closing statement, the defense attorney argues that the case against Harper is based on insufficient evidence, lacking eyewitnesses, DNA, fingerprints, video, or physical evidence. The defense cites Gloria Parker, a long-term resident who observed events inconsistent with Harper’s description. Despite the prosecution’s claims, the defense attorney asserts that the prosecution failed to prove Harper’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt on three counts: murder, conspiracy, and solicitation. They emphasize that the absence of evidence creates fundamental doubt under Texas law, necessitating an acquittal.

Blog By: Alaurya S., Glenda Dawson HS