Youth and Government is a national program that encourages teenagers to participate in government and teaches them leadership and public speaking skills through the creation of a mock, state government. Each delegation from schools across North Carolina come together for a conference in Raleigh every year in the second weekend of February. Rocky Mount Academy’s delegation consisted of fourteen students and their faculty advisor, Mr. Don Stancavish. Mr. Stancavish was instrumental in the success of the weekend as he helped students get ready for the conference and encouraged them throughout the weekend. The conference takes place in Raleigh at the Raleigh Convention Center. There students participate in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, forming a mock state government.

The Legislative branch of Y.A.G consists of representatives, senators, bill authors, lobbyists, and budget analysts. RMA had two bill authors this year, Georgia Morris and Ann Sumner Thorp. Their bill addressed the issues of childhood obesity by trying to raise the state sales tax on foods with more than 40% high fructose corn syrup and lowering the tax on organic fruits and vegetables. Though it did not make it to the Governor’s Cabinet to be “officially” passed, their bill inspired debate in chambers and encouraged students to take a look at the long-term effects of healthy eating. Jack Boucher and Thorne Pruden served as senators and Virginia Wooten, Haley McCall, and Eliza Myers served as representatives in the House. These five students had a first-hand view of legislation as they debated and voted on bills. Under the Legislative branch in addition to the Senate and House is the Freshman Forum. The Freshman Forum is a separate legislative body made up of only freshmen. It slowly introduces the freshman class to Y.A.G. and the legislative process. RMA had one freshman attend Y.A.G. this year, Virginia Grey Newton. In the forum, she served as a bill author where she created a bill designed to take a portion of the taxes on hogs and use it to fund the removal of animal waste in NC waters all while not having to raise taxes. Virginia Grey was very successful, and her bill made it all the way through the Governor’s Cabinet! She is one of very few freshmen to make it through each branch and have her bill passed by the governor. RMA is so proud of her success!

The Judicial branch is made up of two different sections. The first section is Mock Trial which is similar to the types of court cases we see on television. The second division, and most popular, is the Court of Appeals. Thomas Newton, Marcus Lerro, Guy Deyton, Thomas Boyette, Mercer Boyette, and Deborah Kitchen all participated in the Court of Appeals where they debated previous court cases. All judicial delegates presented great arguments for both sides of the cases and excelled in their presentations!

Overall the Youth and Government conference is one I would never miss. After working all day on Friday, delegates end the day with Friday Fun Night where they listen to an inspirational speaker and dance to the music of a DJ. Saturday is ended with the Governor’s Gala. At the Gala students are served a fancy dinner and attend a dance afterwards. Finally the time comes to say goodbye Sunday morning as delegates listen to the winners of elections for the following year’s officers and watch that year’s video produced by the media students. Sunday is a great way to end the weekend and bring to a close one of the best experiences students can have in high school.