Youth and Government
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What is Youth and Government?
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A club that allows students to form delegations where they can create bills to be passed for the state in a mock government format.
How did it get started?
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Mr. Smith was in Youth and Government in high school and wanted to implement it at Woodlawn High School this year.
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Youth and Government started about 70 years ago by the YMCA.
What happens in Springfield?
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Each year, a three day conference occurs in Springfield, IL at the Illinois Capitol. Friday, students go to committee and present their bills for the first time for the weekend. In committees, lobbyists hear the bills. Saturday, the bills are debated in committees and in the House and Senate. The House and Senate are where the bills could officially pass or fail. WHS had two bills pass (listed below). They were signed by the Youth Governor on Sunday. On Saturday, there was a dance floor, karaoke, inflatables, and human hamster balls. Then, Sunday, the students voted for next year's Governor. Matthew Thery, of Sesser, won the Governor position. That is exciting because it proves that even though the odds are not in the favor of a small southern delegation, their voices still count!
Bills that were passed:
- Limiting terms of the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate (Chase Hollenkamp and Lance Wenzel)
- Requiring schools to notify students' families of the number of sex offenders in the district (Rachel Beckham and Madison Moser)
Congratulations to Mr. Smith and Y&G on a great first year!
