Governor’s Cabinet discusses daily procedures, policymaking, and more in new interview

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By: Malcolm Hodge
Glenda Dawson High School

In Youth and Government, the Governor’s Cabinet is a select group of delegates who aid the Youth Governor, Emery Miramontes Eldredge, in her decisions on different policies. During the conference, you’ll see different Cabinet members consulting with legislators, assigning one another to different areas of the Conference, and explaining pieces of legislation to the Youth Governor. I spoke with them this afternoon to better understand their responsibilities, perspectives, and qualifications.

One of the Cabinet’s main responsibilities is to carry out the Governor’s agenda as the members decide which bills they want to pass. According to Mia Patel, a new Governor’s Cabinet member, they start by organizing the Bill Book into specific sectors: “Each bill is put into a different category, either education-based, or health and human services, or criminal justice and public safety, etc. Each one of us is in charge of that one [category]… and we determine whether or not we want that bill to be passed.”

After deciding what bills should receive the Governor’s support, they disperse into their chosen bills’ corresponding rooms and garnering support. “We help them out by finding amendment sponsorships, or finding pro speakers for them that will help their bill pass.”

Some members of the Cabinet—GovCab for short—are chosen directly by the governor, whilst most join through the application process. In the words of David Ci, the Chief of Staff for the program, “[Emery] just DMed me… she chooses her Chief of Staff, because it doesn’t have to be a GovCab applicant; it can be any delegate. I would say it’s pretty selective. Pam always says—and she’s the one that runs GovCab—that ‘you’re the cream of the crop, because there are people who get rejected.’”

The other delegates from the Governor’s Cabinet explained that they came through the general application process, and that they were selected for the specific skills that made them stand out. “It’s a diverse set, but a very qualified group of individuals.”

TX YG2026-02-27T16:29:49-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Practice Makes Perfect: A Sneak Peak at America Ochoa’s SAF Preparations

By Karoll Farias
Bob Hope High School

The night before presenting her proposal at the Texas Youth & Government State Conference, America Ochoa treats preparation like a full strategy game plan. Because the State Affairs Forum requires delegates to clearly understand their topic and be ready for structured pro or con debate, America makes sure every part of her work reflects those expectations. In State Affairs, delegates are responsible for proposing well formulated and organized solutions, reading other students’ proposals, asking questions, and participating in pro and con debate during committee hearings. Knowing this, America uses her night routine before the presentation date to make sure she is not only prepared, but fully confident.

America starts by organizing her proposal packet and visual aid. Since proposals in State Affairs must be concise, organized, and limited to one page, she makes sure that each required section is clear and logically developed. She double checks that her solution addresses a specific issue and that her reasoning is both practical and based on research. Her visual aid is neatly decorated and includes important charts and graphs that back up her proposal accurately.

Next, she begins reviewing the other delegates’ proposals, which is a major part of her preparation. Because State Affairs delegates interact in a structured discussion, amendments, and she reads each proposal carefully to decide whether she personally leans pro or con on each one. Finally, America practices out loud. She reads her opening statement exactly how she wants to present it, focusing on clarity, tone, and confidence. Since State Affairs emphasizes participation and discussion, she practices delivering her points with a good pace and strong emphasis.

The more she rehearses, the more natural the debate should feel the next day.

TX YG2026-02-27T15:58:07-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Beyond the Whispers: Redefining the YAG Student

By Alana Dixon
Duncanville High School

By the time YAG students roll their suitcases down the hallway, the labels have already been assigned. As students leave campus to attend the Texas Youth and Government State Conference, the comments are familiar, overly serious. Try-hards. Nerds. Someone once said it directly: “Y’all only talk to other YAG kids.”

The assumption is that YAG students exist in an academic bubble, disconnected from the rest of high school life, convinced they are somehow different. But the reality tells a fuller story. Within this delegation alone are varsity athletes and students who compete in AAU sports year-round. Reese Carter balances soccer practices and games alongside preparation for State competition.

Others move between rehearsals and research; students like Aniston Bell, involved in the band, who juggle performance schedules with legislative drafting and media deadlines. In the media section, delegates prepare coverage and interviews and publish stories under strict deadlines while balancing commitments outside of YAG.

Some are also scholarship pageant competitors preparing for stages such as Texas Teen USA, demonstrating that civic engagement and stage presence are not mutually exclusive. These identities do not compete with one another; they coexist. The stereotype suggests isolation. The evidence reflects balance.

Youth and Government, according to the YMCA’s mission, is designed to develop responsible citizens and future leaders through direct participation in democratic processes. Research from CIRCLE (The Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning & Engagement at Tufts University) indicates that youth involved in structured civic programs demonstrate increased leadership confidence, communication skills, and long-term civic engagement.

Similarly, findings from CASEL emphasize that extracurricular involvement strengthens collaboration, discipline, and academic focus, skills directly tied to classroom performance. These outcomes do not describe socially disconnected “try-hards.”

They describe students’ growth in choosing. Caring deeply about something, whether it is athletics, performing arts, journalism, or civic debate, does not make someone one-dimensional. It makes them invested.

The hallway whispers capture only a surface image.

While some students stay behind, others board buses to practice leadership in real time on fields, on stages, in newsrooms, and in legislative chambers.

If anything needs redefining, it isn’t the students. It’s the label.

TX YG2026-02-27T15:39:35-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Bill Proposes Protection from Online Predators

By Kimberly Damian,
Bob Hope High School

Recently, I was given a chance to interview Analia Bermundez about her proposal that was presented at the conference, which was named AI Driven Cyber Guardians: An Approach to Disrupting Online Predatory Behavior.

The main idea behind her proposal was to use artificial intelligence as a digital guardian that could detect online predatory behavior before any harm was caused. She wanted artificial intelligence to be a quiet guardian in the background of online platforms that could detect any harmful behavior online.

When asked about the specific problem that her proposal was trying to solve, she stated that her main idea was to solve the specific problem of predatory behavior online, which not only includes children but also includes adults, specifically in the state of Texas.

She stated that there are many online platforms that could be dangerous if there are predators targeting young users who do not know the harm that could be caused to them. It is not just a technology issue but a safety issue that includes real people.

I then proceeded to ask her why this topic is so significant to her. She answered that this topic is significant to her because of its importance to the safety and happiness of children. She believes that children should be able to utilize online platforms appropriately without fear of pedophiles and exploitation.

The online world should be a place where kids feel as comfortable as a classroom and a playground, rather than a hunting ground for pedophiles. She also gave me a very inspiring quote that reflects her motivations for this topic: “I am passionate about my topic because I hate to see grown adults make advancements and inappropriate remarks towards children who don’t know better.” This quote shows me that this topic is very personal to her and that she cares a great deal about this topic.I then proceeded to ask her about the main goal of her proposal, and she answered that her main goal is to obtain a significant decrease in online grooming and behavior, as well as to obtain a significant increase in online evidence to help law enforcement agencies prosecute offenders.

“I AM PASSIONATE ABOUT MY TOPIC BECAUSE I HATE TO SEE GROWN ADULTS MAKE ADVANCEMENTS AND APPROPRIATE REMARKS TO CHILDREN WHO DONT KNOW BETTER.”

Another crucial component of Analia’s proposal is how the AI system will actually function. She explained to me that the AI system will be built to identify patterns within conversations that might indicate grooming behavior, inappropriate language, manipulation techniques commonly used by predators, etc.

Instead of waiting for a reported case after harm is already done, the AI system will identify these signs early on to prevent harm from occurring in the first place. She believes that prevention is always better than reaction.

Another thing I was curious to know from Analia was how her proposal will aid law enforcement agencies. She told me that one of the major components of her proposal is to provide a better evidence base for law enforcement agencies to clearly identify perpetrators and protect victims from harm. She also told me that the intention is not to invade people’s privacy but to hold perpetrators accountable for their behavior on online platforms.

Analia also mentioned the significance of public awareness. She thinks that technology alone cannot solve this problem. In addition to this, parents, teachers, and children should be made aware of this problem.This is also a part of her proposal, to spread awareness among people in Texas about the warning signs of grooming and to talk about this problem openly. In conclusion, through this interview with Analia Bermundez, I learned the significance of her proposal and realized that her topic is very meaningful and serious. It is clear that her topic is not only relevant to current times but also forward thinking and offers a solution to a very significant problem in our society today. It is a solution that combines technology and safety and is very committed to creating a safe online environment for children to learn and play.

In conclusion, talking to Analia Bermundez allowed me to understand how technology could be turned into a shield instead of a tool. This is because, for Bermundez, her proposal is not just about artificial intelligence, but about responsibility, protection, and being able to stand up for those who are unable to protect themselves online.

Bermundez’s clear objectives, planning, and passion for her proposal show that she is dedicated to reducing online predatory behaviors, making online spaces safer for kids and adults alike, and protecting Texans online.

TX YG2026-02-27T15:30:40-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Campaigns, Crowds, and Choices

By Dorcas Owala

John Marshall Law and Medical Services High School

Starting off with the 2026 YG State Conference, the YMCA youth leaders got the delegates riled up and ready for competition. Raniah Butler, a Legislative delegate says, “I’m excited to go to the capital and see other delegates and peers debate their bills. It’s so interesting to hear unique bills being argued while the competitiveness of each delegate rises. They challenged me to become vocal and confident in my bill.”

As delegates arrive at orientation, excitement begins to fill up the room not just for the competition, but for VOTING!. Every Year, Junior YG students apply for the youth governor candidacy position. These candidates voice their campaign agenda at the orientation, suggesting the need to make YG experience better for delegates and be their voice. This year Anvika Jain, Daniel Ren, Simer Signh, and Mark Anthony Causell ran for the Youth Governor with different campaign approaches.

Listening to the ideas with confident voices, most delegates said they appreciated Daniels leadership and scholarship opportunities for delegates. His evaluation ideas sparked interest. One legislative delegate says, “Daniel was a confident speaker with clear goals. His plan advocated for the delegates with not only merit scholarships and advocacy platforms, but also through the competition format itself with a call for more equitable grading practices.”

As delegates step away from the podium and toward the “ballot box”, the focus shifts from campaigning to decision making. The choices made by delegates will shape the tone, direction, and energy of the year ahead. In Youth and Government, democracy isn’t just studied- its practiced. Isn’t the youth the future of our government?

Delegates discussing the youth governor candidates and who spoke to them the most while listening to their campaign speeches.

TX YG2026-02-28T11:17:51-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

More than a Bill: How One Delegates Mental Health Funding Ideas Mirror a National Mental Health Crisis

By Dorcas Owala

John Marshall Law and Medical Services High School

We all know and have seen how depression and mental health negatively affect people throughout the world. Sunny Neelee, a legislative delegate, proposed his bill on a state fund grant system of $750 million to support mental health services in Texas public schools. Neeazlee says, “I believe that this bill would’ve helped the people who don’t get the help they desire and that less high school students will face negative mental health in the future.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “An estimated 5.0 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 20.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17.” Having that huge percentage of the adolescent population affected by mental health is alarming in itself. From childhood to adulthood, life should be fun, encourage growth, happiness, and sadness; but not to the extent of depression. Creating a space where children are aware of mental health services in their schools would create a bigger impact for them to come forward and talk to someone.

A trial court delegate says, “I’m aware of the resources our school has on mental health, but it’s not widely advocated for. I feel like our main counselors job is to talk about classes and futures.” Some delegates have great mental health resources and services in their schools that are advocated for, almost every other delegates have some mental health resources that aren’t fully advocated for or known.

Sunny Neelee’s bill not only proposes mental health professionals to come into play for students,but it also proposes submission of annual reports on fund usage, measurable outcomes and services provided. This bill isn’t just written for fun, it’s a reality that hits harder than we realize. In a world where mental health often goes unseen, this delegates funding bill may be the first step toward change…. Real Change!

Students in suits raise white papers in a mock senate exercise

Legislative students are questioning Sunny Neelees Mental health bill proposal in order to determine its authenticity and clarify if the bill is effective enough to be passed.

TX YG2026-02-28T11:19:00-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The importance of a National Natural Disaster Tax Credit; what we can learn from the devastation of the Kerrville Floods

Carol Andrews, Joyce Badon, Mary Baker, Linda Bason, Harley Moeller, Megan Moeller, Virginia Naylor, Anna Bellows, Lila Bonner…
These names echoed down the released list of Kerr County Flood victims.

July 4th, 2025, torrent floods devastated the local communities of Kerrville, Texas. Over 137 lives were tragically lost, the youngest victim only being only one year old. In the photo above, the victim’s family and friends mourn collectively through prayer.

Mukherjee, a sophomore from Austin, moved by this tragedy advocated for the passing of a National Natural Disaster Tax Credit.

The National Natural Disaster Tax Credit would allow small businesses to rebuild as quickly as possible, addressing the gaps that insurance would fail to fill. The federal government would give businesses impacted by natural disasters tax credits, giving businesses an economic opportunity to regain their footing.

Passionately speaking for the cause, Mukherjee expresses her concern for communities impacted by natural disasters, “At the end of the day, our communities are so built on economies. It was so important for businesses to reopen as soon as possible for the community to heal. Seeing the shock and collective grief that the community of Texas experienced just made me think that we need to make sure we’re prepared for things like that.”

Mukherjee also shared impactful statistics that showed the extent to which Texas relies on small businesses economically.

“50 percent of our private workforce is employed by small businesses”

Mukherjee’s emphasis on small businesses isn’t just an understanding of data, it is informed by real experiences through working with the Austin Chamber of Commerce. Mukherjee currently is employed as an intern for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, which allows for collaboration with small businesses. During an interview, Mukherjee expressed her passion for this organization, “I’ve seen firsthand how small businesses are at the center of our economy, and sharing inspiring conversations with these businesses has made me realize the extent to which the Kerrville community occurred when businesses couldn’t operate.”

“I’m really interested in how economies are built by communities,” Mukherjee expressed.

Mukherjee also explored how her relationship with Youth and Government helped her foster authenticity in policy design.

“What I love about YAG is that this is the one place where I don’t feel pressured to perform for points because I’ve noticed that a lot of the evaluation and the kind of criteria that you look at is not really about how loud you talk, how feisty you are, its an emphasis on solvency, what your impact is for the community, what’s actually good.”

Mukherjee found that her personal philosophy had direct alignment with the event that she participated in.

“I realized that wow, this is a unique competition because you’re not trying to make me fight, you’re trying to make me have honest, real good conversation. And I feel that’s so important to instill that in young people.”

Teeming with potential and success, Mukherjee, a sophomore from the Greater Austin area, successfully passed legislation for the bill of National Natural Disaster Tax Credit.
Mukherjee aspires to pursue economics in her future, and expressed her gratitude for being in a program that fostered genuine engagement and interaction with policy. With passion in her voice, Mukherjee ended the interview with one last statement,
“I see myself in the future working with small businesses to create something tangible, I know that I want to work on the ground with people to make our economy stronger.”

Works Cited

Kumar, Atirikta. “Texas IDs the 119 People Killed in Kerr County Floods.” The Texas Tribune, 8 Aug. 2025, www.texastribune.org/2025/08/08/texas-hill-country-floods-victims-names/.

“MSN.” Msn.com, 2026, www.msn.com/en-us/public-safety-and-emergencies/natural-disasters/hundreds-gather-at-kerrville-stadium-vigil-to-pray-for-flood-victims/vi-AA1Ir5Lq. Accessed 27 Feb. 2026.

TX YG2026-02-27T14:47:26-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

The Moment Youth and Government Becomes Real

By Diana Jiminez,
Uplift Summit High School

The bus ride is loud. Everyone’s talking. Some people are reviewing speeches. Others are pretending they’re not nervous. But nothing really compares to the moment you walk into the opening ceremony for the first time at the state Youth and Government conference. That’s when it actually feels real.

For a lot of delegates, arriving at state is more than just checking in or getting a name badge. It’s the moment all the late meetings, edits on their proposals, and practice speeches turn into something bigger.

Delegate Navarro described that feeling clearly. “Even before getting to state, I was super thrilled for what was to come,” Navarro said. “Last year was my first year, and while there were some moments of pressure, they were all forgotten the second I walked into General Assembly as I saw how everyone saw this experience as something more than just a mock government system, but as a place to grow and have fun.”

For first-year delegates, that first walk into the chamber can be overwhelming in the best way. The room is full. The energy is high. And suddenly, Youth and Government is not just something you do after school — it feels important.
For returning delegates, the arrival hits differently. There’s excitement, but there’s also reflection. Especially for seniors, it means one last chance to stand in that room and compete at one of the highest levels.

“I am super excited for this year as it is my last year, but I know it’ll be just as good as last year, maybe, and hopefully, even better,” Navarro said.

State can be competitive and stressful at times. But in that first moment standing in General Assembly, it becomes clear that this experience is about more than winning. It’s about growth, confidence, and being part of something bigger than yourself.

TX YG2026-02-27T14:40:40-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

MINUTES BEFORE THE GAVEL: HOW MOCK TRIAL TEAMS PREPARE RIGHT BEFORE COMPETITION

IN THE FINAL MOMENTS BEFORE ENTERING THE COURTROOM, DELEGATES FOCUS ON MINDSET, TEAMWORK, AND COMPOSURE

Austin, TX – In the final moments before entering the courtroom, delegates focus on mindset, teamwork, and composure

After months of preparation and days of practice mock trials, the atmosphere shifts dramatically in the minutes before Mock Trial competition begins. Outside the
courtroom doors, Texas Youth and Government Judicial delegates huddle together one last time, not to relearn the case, but to center themselves.

In these final moments, attorneys quietly review condensed note cards with key objections and impeachment points. Rather than rereading the entire case packet, they focus on reminders: maintain eye contact, pause after objections, emphasize burden of proof. “At this point, we know the material,” said Noah Dinh, a prosecution attorney. “Right before we walk in, I just remind myself to slow down and be confident.”

Witnesses often step aside with their attorney for a brief character check in. They rehearse tone and key facts like dates, relationships, and major events, to ensure
consistency under cross examination. Some delegates close their eyes and mentally walk through their testimony from start to finish. “I go over my first answer in my head,” shared first year delegate Vincent Nguyen. “If I start strong, the rest feels smoother.” Teams also use these minutes to boost morale. Many delegations review courtroom roles one last time remembering who handles objections, who delivers closing, and who tracks time. Clear communication prevents confusion once the round begins.

Advisors say body language becomes a major focus in these final seconds. Students are reminded to stand tall, enter professionally, and treat every interaction, even setting down their materials, as part of their performance. Deep breaths are common as delegates steady nerves before the judge calls the room to order.

Despite the nerves, there is also excitement. Months of preparation have built toward this moment. The case strategies are set, the examinations memorized, the objections practiced repeatedly. Now, preparation gives way to execution.

When the bailiff announces the court is in session, the whispers stop, shoulders square, and delegates transform from students into attorneys and witnesses ready
to put their preparation to the test.

TX YG2026-02-27T14:35:07-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Remaining Composed in the Face of Controversy

Sunny Allen presents her legislative proposal on ICE

By Cora Howell,
James W. Martin High School

Since the start of February 2026, over 60 schools across North Texas have performed district-wide protests against ICE, according to FOX 4 News Dallas. Students have performed walkouts, marches, and protests in order to bring attention to the aggressive enforcement tactics attributed to ICE. One of the schools who performed an ICE walkout was none other than Martin High School where legislative delegate Sunny Allen attends, making her bill about distancing how close ICE agents can come into contact with schools extremely fitting.

However, it cannot be denied that the topic of ICE is an extremely heated and controversial topic, in fact, many students who participated in these school walkouts received punishment for their contributions through absences, detention, and even suspension. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, even commented that there should be “no more protests during school hours,” threatening that any districts that failed to contain these protesters were “co-conspirators” that would receive reduced funding for their actions.

With the clear stance from the Texas governor Sunny acknowledges that her bill is a highly sensitive topic, however, to Sunny it’s just more of a reason to speak out about it. “The bill needs to be talked about, it doesn’t matter that it’s controversial or could be considered as such, if anything it just makes it that much more important, especially in lieu of current events,” states Sunny.

If Sunny’s bill were to pass it would prevent ICE agents from entering within 213 feet of a school without a verified warrant or probable cause. Her bill aims to prevent any unintentional harm to students caused by ICE, bringing relief to her peers who fear going to school out of the potential of being illegally detained. As Sunny declares, “the bill is important because it stands for others in the face of injustices, ensuring protection of our peers with everything we have.”

Whether or not Sunny’s bill is passed by the senate is not the main concern, rather than creating a bill for the sole purpose of getting passed Sunny has created something greater: a statement. Her bill does not only address the rising concern of violence committed by ICE but rather, as a whole, acts as an echo of the younger generation, leaving us with the resounding message that they will not be silenced.

TX YG2026-02-27T14:35:31-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

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About TX YG

Campaigns, Crowds, and Choices

More than a Bill: How One Delegates Mental Health Funding Ideas Mirror a National Mental Health Crisis

Works Cited