Welcome to the YG Blog
Our Youth and Government Blog is a space for our Media delegates to write and publish their work throughout the program year. Keep yourself updated and in the loop by reading topics written by our youths from across Texas.
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 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. [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
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, [...]
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, [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
District Wide “Takeover” to Test Reformation: How Students Challenge and Overcome their Struggles through Policy.
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 [...]
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 [...]