Is Winning the Election the Hardest Part- Or Is Leading Afterwards Harder?

Emory Miramontes Eldredge after winning the election for Governor at the 2025 State conference

Today, Emory Miramontes Eldredge leads Texas Youth and Government as Governor. But seven years ago, she didn’t even want to join. “I actually started Youth and Government on a whim in sixth grade. My parents forced me to. I heard it over the announcement, and I was like ‘oh yeah, there’s this thing, but it’s kind of boring.’” But, once Emory joined, she quickly fell in love with debating. The program that she at first dismissed became a defining part of her identity- and eventually a platform for leadership.

“I decided that I was going to (run) in seventh grade.” She said “I saw what the governor was able to do and accomplish… and I knew that that’s something I could do to give back to something that’s given so much to me.” While Emory couldn’t do anything for her campaign for a few years, she focused on making relationships with other people. She spent time making genuine connections with people, talking about what she cared and was passionate about. The conversations weren’t just about earning future votes- they showed the kind of governor that she wanted to become.

Through those genuine conversations, Emory built her campaign goals, focusing on growing advocacy, a student coalition, and raising funds for scholarships. While not every goal was fully realized during her term, she planted the seeds for future governors and candidates to continue the work. Emory created an online Texas Youth Advocacy program that she hopes will soon be moved to in person in the Texas capital. Her scholarship initiatives are also beginning to raise funds that will support students in the coming years.

When asked whether leadership feels different from campaigning, Emory reflected, “I would say that winning the election was more taxing, emotionally and physically. But the job of being governor is harder, because it’s more constant, it’s more challenging.” Emory describes the role as “a full time job”, one that requires steady effort long after the campaign ends

For students considering running themselves, Emory offers simple advice, “Do it… give it all you’ve got. Don’t be hesitant, don’t be afraid. Even if you don’t win, you get so much out of it just by trying.”

In an organization built on 80 years of student leadership, Emory’s story shows that winning may be the headline, but the real work begins after the votes are counted.

Laney Morgan

TX YG2026-02-27T15:55:06-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

WHAT TO DO AT TEXAS YOUTH & GOVERNMENT STATE CONFERENCE

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO AT TEXAS YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT STATE CONFERENCE AT KALAHARI

Austin, TX – Each year, hundreds of student delegates gather for the Texas Youth and Government State Conference at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions , Round Rock, and while the conference is packed with legislation, court cases, and campaigns, there’s much more to experience beyond the chambers. Whether you’re a first time delegate or a YG veteran, here are the top 10 things you won’t want to miss.

1. Watch a Mock Trial Round
Even if you’re not in the Judicial section, sitting in on a Mock Trial is a must. From opening statements to cross-examinations, students bring intense preparation and professionalism into every round.

2. Attend a Heated House or Senate Debate
Step into the legislative chambers and witness bills being defended, amended, or voted down. It’s real time democracy led entirely by students.

3. Support Youth Governor Candidates
Campaign season comes alive at State. Attend speeches, talk with candidates, and learn about their platforms before casting your vote.

4. Explore the Appellate Court
Appellate arguments offer a different style of legal reasoning, less dramatic than trial court, but packed with sharp questioning and constitutional analysis.

5. Network with Delegates from Across Texas
From Houston to Austin, delegates travel statewide. Conference is the perfect place to build friendships and connections that last beyond the weekend.

6. Check Out the Waterpark Area
If your schedule allows, enjoy the famous indoor waterpark at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions , Round Rock. Whether it’s relaxing or just walking through the lively atmosphere, it’s part of the full Kalahari experience.

7. Enjoy the Outside Grass Area
Between sessions, many delegates gather on the outdoor lawn areas to relax, debrief rounds, and hang out with friends. It’s the perfect place to unwind and recharge before the next session.

8. Learn from Advisors and Delegation Directors
Take time to thank and speak with the adults who help make YG possible. Many advisors have years of experience guiding students through the program.

9. Enjoy the Tom Foolery Adventure Park
Take a break and explore the Tom Foolery indoor adventure park inside Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Round Rock. From arcade games to attractions, it’s a fun way to bond with fellow delegates after a long day of debate.

10. Reflect on Your Growth
State Conference moves fast. Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come, from writing your first bill or case to confidently speaking in front of hundreds. “State Conference is where all your hard work finally comes together,” said one returning Judicial delegate from Glenda Dawson High School. “It’s stressful, but it’s the most rewarding weekend of the year.”

According to the Texas YMCA Youth and Government, the State Conference represents the culmination of months of preparation in legislative writing, legal research, and leadership development. At its core, Texas Youth and Government isn’t just about competition, but it’s about growth, civic engagement, and stepping into leadership. And at Kalahari, those moments happen everywhere you look.

Blog by: Madison Trang, Glenda Dawson HS

TX YG2026-02-27T14:27:41-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

7 Things to Know Before Visiting the Texas State Capitol

by: Malcolm Hodge,
Glenda Dawson High School

Austin, TX – As hundreds of delegates compete at their first State Conference this year, many will also be newcomers to the Texas Capitol. Students in the Senate and House will get the chance to debate in the actual respective state chambers, but there are some important things you should know before they walk Austin’s historic halls. Some of District 3’s seniors shared what they learned from past conferences.

#1: Safety first: You’ll go through security as you enter. The State Capitol is a historic building that hosts swaths of tourists, political figures, and staff, so it’s important that the building stays as safe as possible. According to the Texas DPS, the security staff at the Capitol also aids traffic control, criminal investigation, and more. The entrance security line isn’t TSA, though, so keep your shoes on.

#2: It’s the largest State Capitol in America. At a whopping 360,000 square feet, the Texas State Capitol building makes it very easy to get lost. Make sure to stay with your designated group to find your way around the Capitol’s many, many sections.

#3: The railings within the rotunda can be quite low. The layered circular balconies—alongside the governors’ portraits on the walls—make for an awe-inspiring view of the rotunda’s intricate design. It’s an amazing, must-see view, but it can be seriously startling if you’re afraid of heights.

#4: The Capitol has an underground extension with even more space. Everything really is bigger in Texas: in 1993, the 600,000-square-foot underground Capitol Extension was completed, complete with offices for the 150 State Representatives. Some of YG’s events can occur in this impressive, yet lesser-known section of the building.

#5: Food and drink are prohibited in the Senate/House chambers. While there are many parts of the Capitol where food is allowed, including the Capitol Grill in the Extension, delegates can’t bring food or drink onto the House or Senate floors (per the Legislative Reference Library of Texas). Most delegates leave their snacks on the steps at the rooms’ entrances.

#6: You can visit the gift shop during downtime. The Texas Capitol Gift Shop is on the top floor of the Extension, and it has a wide array of souvenirs to choose from: its assortment of rings, postcards, and more ensure that you’ll have plenty of mementos to choose from.

#7: There are galleries above the House/Senate floors. At the top of each chamber, there is additional seating that overlooks the floor below so that you can watch the debate. This is especially useful for Media delegates who want to document legislative hearings without fear of causing a disruption.

Hopefully, you’ve learned something helpful about the experience of YG in Texas’ historic state Capitol. With this additional knowledge, you’ll be sure to excel at this year’s State Conference. Special thanks: Angelina Mejia, Madison Trang, Eraj Yusuf (District 3)

TX YG2026-02-27T14:18:07-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

TEXAS YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT OPENING CONFERENCE 2026

79TH ANNUAL OPENING CONFERENCE LAUNCHES 2026 TEXAS YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT COMPETITION

Austin, TX – Student delegates from across the state gathered to begin the 79th annual Texas Youth and Government Opening Conference, marking nearly eight decades of student led civic engagement and leadership development. The event officially launched the 2026 Texas Youth and Government season, setting the tone this years competition.

Hosted by Texas YMCA Youth and Government, the Opening Conference introduced both returning and first- year delegates to the legislative, judicial, state affairs and media sections of the program. Throughout the conference, students were reminded on parliamentary procedure, public speaking and ethical leadership within their sections. Breakout sessions allowed delegates to ask questions, and gain clarity about expectations for the upcoming season.

“The Opening Conference is where the entire season begins,” said a student officer during the opening session. “It sets expectations and reminds delegates that this program is completely student led.”

According to the Texas YMCA Youth and Government official website, the program’s mission is to prepare young people for
“moral and civic leadership” by involving them in hands on simulations of state government. Advisors echoed this mission throughout the conference, emphasizing
responsibility and professionalism and teamwork.

Our goal is to give students a real understanding of how government works,” a district advisor said. “But more importantly, we want them to understand the impact their voices can have.”

The 79th conference represents a major milestone for the organization. For nearly 80 years, Texas students have stepped into the roles of legislators, judges, attorneys and journalists, building a tradition of civic involvement that continues to grow each year. Many delegates described the Opening Conference as both motivating and informative, giving them a clearer picture of how they can contribute throughout the competition. With renewed energy and a legacy nearly eight decades strong, the 2026 season of Texas Youth and Government is officially underway.

Blog by: Madison Trang, Glenda Dawson HS

TX YG2026-02-27T14:10:06-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

DAWSON YG BUILDS LEADERS THROUGH DEBATE AND SERVICE

GLENDA DAWSON HIGH SCHOOL DELEGATES PREPARE FOR STATE CONFERENCE WITH FOCUS ON GROWTH AND PROFESSIONALISM

Austin, TX – At Glenda Dawson High School, the Youth and Government club is more than an extracurricular activity, it is a training ground for leadership.

As the state conference approaches, Dawson delegates are refining their legislation, practicing speeches and mentoring newer members. The club, known for its strong preparation and professionalism, has grown steadily in participation and impact over the past year.

Club president Ariana Chavez said the organization emphasizes both competitive success and personal development. “We want every member to feel confident walking into committee,” Ariana said. “It’s not just about passing a bill , it’s about learning how to present yourself and defend your ideas.”

Meetings at Dawson typically include mock committee sessions, peer feedback and discussions about procedure. Veteran members often guide first-year delegates through the writing and revision process, ensuring that everyone understands both structure and strategy.

“Our upperclassmen really step up,” said club sponsor Ms. Hong. “They model leadership, responsibility and respect, which sets the tone for the entire team.”

Members say the supportive environment makes a difference. Many delegates joined the club this year and said they immediately felt welcomed.

Beyond competition, Dawson YG promotes civic awareness and collaboration. Students learn how government processes function while developing communication skills that extend beyond the classroom.

As final preparations continue, Dawson delegates say they are ready to represent their school with confidence and professionalism. For many, Youth and Government is not only about conference weekend — it is about becoming informed, capable leaders prepared to make an impact in their communities.

Blog By: Madison Trang

TX YG2026-02-27T13:57:22-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Heidi Post Urges Delegates to Lead With Heart at Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony didn’t just mark the beginning of our conference. It set the tone for everything that follows.

Heidi Post, H-E-B’s senior director of public affairs for Central Texas, took the stage with a message that cut through the usual welcome speeches. She started with something simple but profound: “It’s not the groceries that are important to us. It’s the people.”

Post acknowledged the scale of challenges facing Texas—disaster relief, hunger, health, literacy, the environment. It would be easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of it all. But her advice to delegates wasn’t to tackle everything at once.

“Find your focus. What are you passionate about?” she said. Throughout her address, Post returned to a principle her father instilled in her years ago: “Relationships determine results.” This wasn’t abstract leadership theory—she grounded it in real-world examples. When floods hit communities, when an ice storm left city leaders without power for warming stations, H-E-B could mobilize quickly because relationships were already in place. People knew who to call. Trust had been established long before it was needed.

Post challenged delegates to think beyond the conference walls. Leadership, she reminded us, isn’t confined to chambers or ballots. It’s what happens when no one is
watching. It’s what happens when it’s inconvenient.

“We are all the ‘they,’” she said, calling out the tendency to blame problems on some vague, unnamed entity rather than recognizing our own capacity to act. Then came the question that lingered in the air: “Will you live a life as a consumer or as a contributor?”

The rest of her remarks laid out a challenge for every delegate in the room. Listen more than you talk. Don’t attempt to lead without understanding what your people actually care about. Resist the temptation to stay in your own bubble—“Silos are dangerous,” she warned—and if you truly believe “everyone belongs,” that conviction has to show up in your actions.

“When we say here everyone belongs, we mean it,” Post said.

She closed by looking forward—not just to the end of this conference, but to the Texas we’ll build and the world we’ll inherit decades from now. That future, she made clear, isn’t just on elected officials or adults. It’s on us.

“Be the change,” she said. “Be the heart.”

Blog by: Gavin Strong, Glenda Dawson HS

TX YG2026-02-27T13:33:14-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

District Wide “Takeover” to Test Reformation: How Students Challenge and Overcome their Struggles through Policy.
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District Wide “Takeover” to Test Reformation: How Students Challenge and Overcome their Struggles through Policy.

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District Wide “Takeover” to Test Reformation: How Students Challenge and Overcome their Struggles through Policy.

By: Mercy Otieno

James W. Martin High School

In June of 2023, all Houston Independent School District (ISD) was taken over by the Texas Education Agency due to “unacceptable ratings” from Phillis Wheatley High School for seven consecutive years, due to a HB 1842, which underwent the same process as YG bills. With the “take-over”, all 254 schools have felt its effect.

Here, at the 79th Youth and Government State Conference, delegates such as Bahviya Dande from the Greater Houston District, addresses educational concerns rooted from and inspired by experiences that have made her, and those around hers, educational careers more difficult.

Dande’s SB26 is titled, “An Act banning the use of state-mandated standardized testing in Texas public schools and declaring an emergency.”

“Most people, [towards the end of the school year], just stop trying, and I feel like that just kind of reduces the point of having the [ [State of Texas Assessments of Academics Readiness] test,” Dande said. “If no one is even going to try on it, then why test people?”

Teachers, such as Jennifer Payne, although not agreeing with completely abolishing the concept of standardized testing, still agree that it is past due for the system’s reform.

“The state tests should be written at a level that’s easier for kids to understand,” Algebra 1 teacher Jennifer Payne said. “Like, I don’t think that at 50%, they should be getting full credit, or if you’re going to make it that, the test could be more reflective of, like, an AP test, where there’s a free response component, so that you can actually see that they’re working.

By passing her bill, Dande works to benefit students across the state.

“It’ll help students have less pressure on themselves,” Dande said. “Students have, like, AP tests coming up, especially in high school, normal finals, and there’s a bunch of tests. So, I feel like it reduces the pressure, and, the amount of effort that they have to put in studying for the STAAR test.”

Bhaviya Dande herself identifies as someone that stresses immensely over the test, which is another reason as to why she wrote on it.

“Growing up, I had so much text anxiety, especially when it came down to the STAAR test,” Dande said. “I personally always struggle with science, and I feel like the science STAAR test always really made me feel so bad about my, like, science abilities, [and] feel like I was worse than I already was.”

However, despite her difficulties in science, she still excelled in various other subjects, demonstrating all around towards other students that weaknesses do not define you.

“I feel like I really try to nail down and become better at other things, so I feel like math and English, I feel like I always focus on them more than other subjects, and I try to get really, really good at them,” Dande said. “Whenever you know you’re bad at something, you try really hard to get good at something.”

SB15 also plans to redirect the money towards students’ cyberbullying resources.

“Starting from a younger age, [students] face so much with how social media is today, whether it be a rude comment or snide comment on an Instagram or TikTok post,” Dande said. “Kids don’t understand how cyberbullying can affect other people. I feel like the correct resources and the correct funding can provide resources, programs, or like, initiatives to educate kids.”

Bahviya, as well as many of her friends, have all dealt with cyberbullying issues and through her bill, Dande addresses and challenges systemic issues she has dealt with in order to prevent them from recurring to other youth throughout the state of Texas.

“Sometimes you have to be the first person to do something, otherwise there won’t be any change in your life,” Dande said. “I think it’s really important to, like, take advantage of any opportunity that you can to make change. If you don’t like something, then I feel like you can do everything in your ability to fix it.”

TX YG2026-02-28T11:24:46-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

A Rookie’s Guide to Surviving YG

Karoll Farias
Bob Hope High School

If you are new to Texas Youth and Government, welcome to the chaos. The fun chaos that will last a lifetime and create many fond memories.

Here you’ll get to argue with people on purpose, wear business clothes, and learn incredibly interesting things about the government. You don’t have to know a lot about the government to have fun because you’ll learn along the way with no pressure. Youth and Government is not here to pressure you or stress you out, on the contrary, YG is here to inspire you to become responsible citizens and future leaders through a hands-on government experience. In order to make your first year amazing, here is some helpful and special advice to help you.

At District and State, you’re not just debating bills; you are exploring a mini government with hundreds of teens. Conferences bring teens together to debate issues and experience how the government works firsthand. Conference is the perfect place to make friends and socialize with people outside of your delegation. The friendships made during these conferences aren’t just any friendships. Most of the time the people you meet will be at conference the following year, so remembering who your fellow YG members are is important. These connections not only make
debating way more fun, but you can also learn from one another.

Mastering Confidence is very important to present or to debate. You don’t have to be loud to dominate debate or trial. When a new delegate walks into committee or conference with organized notes, it shows quiet preparation and makes you feel more confident because you won’t be stressed about not being prepared. Asking thoughtful questions confidently without hesitation, signals that you are actively paying attention and want to engage and be involved.

Advisors have often been in YG for years, and some even did it as teens in high school before coming back as adults. Asking your advisors questions is basically a cheat code to level up your skills as a rookie. Advisors love helping students avoid making mistakes. Instead of struggling through procedures and proposals alone, a student who asks advisors for help ends up learning faster and much more than you’d imagine. These small confidence moves and guidance from experienced advisors and peers not only help a rookie survive YG, but they also start to find their
place as a YG teen.

TX YG2026-02-27T13:25:25-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

Traditions in youth government in Texas and southeastern Texas

Traditions in the YG specifically in the southeastern region, and throughout Texas, include: being run by the YMCA, clubs meeting weekly at school, students choosing their roles, and having a conference for district and state, and wearing professional attire. These traditions have been held since 1946, by clement Pete Duran. Glenda Dawson high school, which is apart of district 3, in southeastern Texas, has weekly meetings on Friday telling each delegate about what they need to prepare for their next competition. For example, delegate Yuyi Wang, who is apart of the legislative branch, was informed about how she should create and write her bill professionally so she could make her best efforts at district competition. When I joined youth government, there were many options to choose from. With a large variety of roles in each branch, having the ability to choose that role is a large tradition in southeastern Texas youth government. The conferences that the all delegates went through was District. In the 2025-2026 year, it was held at [college]. This tradition has been recent, due to the changing places held for the district conference. In 2026, the state conference is held at Kalahari resort, holding around 1,300 delegates from across the Texas state. The opening ceremony stated how Youth Government has been held for 80 years. Many veterans of youth government spoke before tables filled with delegates ready to compete. Along with these traditions, each candidate running for a serious youth role spoke before each district in the opening ceremony, telling each of the delegates of why they should be chosen for the position they are running for. The delegates that were near me felt empowered and motivated by each of their speeches. Professional attire is taken very strictly for every delegate, volunteer, or any person participating in youth government. They all must wear a blazer, dress pants, or a dress for ladies, and dress shoes. This attire is highly professional and is a large component of youth government. These traditions hold a special place in Texas youth government, and are special to the new, present, and veteran delegates. Keeping these traditions alive and ongoing is important to every youth government delegate in southeast Texas.

Elizabeth Malina

TX YG2026-02-27T13:10:06-06:00February 27th, 2026|Uncategorized|0 Comments

YG for Rookies: Friday Morning for Youth and Government

Friday morning at the Texas Youth & Government State Conference flew by, especially after a long first night of settling into the Kalahari. Delegates were up early, dressed in everything from classic black suits to colorful fits radiating personality, filling the lobby with a mix of nerves, excitement, and caffeine. The Java Manjaro’s Starbucks products quickly became the unofficial headquarters for hungry YG members, with both competitors and volunteers grabbing fuel before heading to their designated sections.

Despite the early start, the energy in the lobby was radiating with all types of emotions. Last night, delegates used their free time to explore every corner of the resort. From the shops, the sweets, the Kalahari waterpark, and Tom Foolery Adventure Park, delegates spared no effort in exploring the blue zone. Some delegations even made plans in advance: “My team is planning to go to the waterpark on Friday since we have more free time and want to make the most of it,” said a junior from District 5.

Others headed straight to Tom Foolery the moment free time opened. “I think my favorite thing about YG so far has probably been Tom Foolery Adventure Park… it was actually really, really fun,” a Media delegate said, “We rode a lot of the rides. There was one that goes upside down and is really fast. It was scary, but fun!”

For rookies, the first full day of state can feel overwhelming, but that does not necessarily make overwhelming a bad thing. “For me, I’m not really sure what to expect from YG. It’s my first year, so I’m going with the flow and picking up whatever is being put down,” one first‐year delegate shared. “I’m kinda nervous, not necessarily for competition, but because there’s just so much to experience here and I wasn’t expecting it. This is honestly such a blast.” Said another District 5 first-year delegate.

Veterans, on the other hand, have learned to balance the fun and the focus of the state conference. “You can do both, you know, there’s a time and place,” said a returning District 5 delegate. “But at some point, you do have to lock in because we are at a competition.”

Between the early morning commutes, long committee sessions, and navigating the Kalahari, rookies quickly adapt to the mix of intensity and community. Especially with tools like the YAPP App, which has all the information they need along with the hardworking advisors, volunteers, and workers keeping the show running.

As this first full day begins, it is evident that rookies and veterans alike are ready to take charge and maximize the amazing opportunity the Texas Youth and Government State Conference is offering.

Natalie Ortiz