COMMODORE MEDIA GROUP

The delegation of the Mississippi Youth and Government Youth Legislature Conference had major success early this November with a majority of their bills passing and four “Most Outstanding Senator/Representative” awards won. The conference even elected LHS delegate, Mason Bay, to the office of Lt. Governor for the 2019-2020 session.

Youth Legislature (or Youth Leg) is a conference at which high school students from all over the state come together to participate in a mock-legislative session, presenting, debating, and voting on bills. The conference’s main goal is to teach young people how the government should run, without foul play or big money.

Youth Leg requires a lot of outside work and preparation. Students research a problem or topic they are passionate about changing and then draft a bill, or potential law, with a partner. They then practice presenting their bills and following parliamentary procedure, or how things are handled in a legislative assembly.

The conference also aims to inspire student leaders with the entire conference being student run. The delegates elect officers to positions such as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, etc. The elected officers then make appointments of their peers to smaller positions in their cabinet and administrations.

Next year, LHS will have representation among the officers. Junior, Mason Bay, was elected Lt. Governor for the 2019-2020 session and will preside over the senate throughout the conference.

When asked why he chose to run for an officer position, Bay’s goal was to expand the role of LHS at the conference. He also wanted to experience all of what Youth Leg had to offer.

“By doing so, I would cement Lafayette High School as an important delegation of Mississippi Youth and Government,” Bay said. “I want youth leg to continue for LHS and I think this will motivate more students to be involved in it.”

If you are interested in Youth Legislature, next November will be here before you know it, so go talk to your friends about their experiences and what you can expect from the experience.