The Youth in Government (YIG) program supports students in exploring how government operates through a student-led enactment conference. At the event, students debate issues facing their communities and use their voice and leadership skills to respectfully advocate for issues that are important to them. Students participate in all forms of government spanning from crafting legislation, and law, to being lobbyists.
This year was Mahtomedi’s third year sending a delegation to the Minnesota State Capitol for YIG. Seven of our students will be graduating, making it their final year in the program. This year also marked the largest delegation we have sent to the conference.
Mahtomedi’s delegation began with only six students. These students were interested in learning more about the government, and I was one of the original members. Our first year we were unprepared and terrified going into the conference. Once that first day of the conference started, we all knew that we would be returning.
Sadie Stembridge, Mahtomedi High School Class of 2024 student and the chair of our delegation, came to the YIG program curious about how the government worked and how to influence the policy discussed. Sadie shared that she returned year after year because “it was really fun to present bills and listen to others' ideas.” When I asked her what advice she would give to anyone interested in joining YIG, she told me that her biggest piece of advice was, “Be open to new experiences and Ideas.” Sadie Stembridge and Olivia See, also a Class of 2024 student and the vice chair of the delegation, were both integral in growing the club to the size it is today. We now have 22 members of YIG, ranging from eighth-grade students to graduating seniors.
While seven of our students will be graduating, we also welcomed a new group of students this year. Mahtomedi eighth-grade students were able to join Mahtomedi YIG and participate in a program called Leadership Core. Leadership Core members learn about all of the YIG program areas and gain experience in each one. It was a great opportunity for students to experience the conference before entering high school and they contributed to making the conference successful for Mahtomedi’s delegation.
Click here to see more photos from the event.
Written by Eloise Petersen, Class of 2024 student at Mahtomedi High School and Mahtomedi Public Schools Communications Intern