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Mac-n-cheese bar meal with chicken, broccoli, a brownie, and Mac-n-cheese We all have preferences for what our diet is. Some people like spice, others like flavor, but what about those who prefer it plain? I’m not talking about food restrictions; I’m talking about the picky eaters. The [...]

Where do you think you fit into Youth and Government? By Naden Ramirez W.B. Ray High School The YMCA Youth and Government program has a rich and extensive history, which has enriched the lives of thousands of students through the teaching of democratic principles and values. It’s an extensive [...]

By Taylor Alexander At Youth & Government, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of winning. Titles like Distinguished Delegate, Chief Justice, or even Youth Governor sound impressive. People come ready to compete with some of the best students in Texas, debating bills and proposals that could [...]

One of Glenda Dawson High School's Mock Trial Teams Prepares to enter the courtroom By: Alaurya Short Glenda Dawson High School Austin, TX – The trial for the murder of council member Dakota Cody Mattis on February 3, 2026, involved the prosecution presenting evidence linking Harper Lynn to the [...]

Above: The State Affairs Forum Committee D in Room 1221 By Naden Ramirez W.B. Ray High School Walking into a State Affairs Forum room during Committee Round 2, the energy is certainly different. Every delegate is determined to give their best, asking thoughtful questions and promoting great debate. Whether [...]

By Diana Jimenez Uplift Summit High School For many delegates in the State Affairs Forum, first committee is where everything feels real. It is the first round at state, where proposals are presented and only 50 move on to second committee. From there, just 12 will advance to the [...]

Screenshot 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 [...]

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 [...]

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: [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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, [...]