Youth and Government, also referenced as YAG, is a new club introduced to our school this year. Junior Chandler Byrd, with help of social studies teacher Jeremiah Mattingly, brought YAG, to our school.

“The program, which looks like a club, is run through the YMCA, but we’ve found that it can be more successful when the program/club is based in the high school,” said Senior Director of Teen Programs at Kerr YMCA, Jarrod Campbell.

Youth and Government is a high school program that focuses on legislation and civil engagement.

“I believe that this is a great opportunity for teens that are interested in government and want to role play aspects around government,” Campbell said.

Club meetings are held prior to the conference, allowing the students to get ready for their individual roles.

“We would meet in Mattingly’s room on Wednesday, and Jarrod would tell us what we needed to do, and then we would run through what it will be like at the conference,” Byrd said.

There is one conference held every year that is student led. There are students that are voted in to leadership positions and serve in those roles for the year and at the conference.

“It involved a year-long process of filling out applications, planning, and making connections throughout the state. It all culminated to the conference where my campaign team and I did everything we could to convince people there I was the best candidate for governor,” 2015 YAG governor, Pierce Shipway, a junior at North Raleigh Christian Academy said.

During the YAG conference, the students participate in a mock legislature where they will debate bills that have been proposed before the conference and that have made it into the governor’s cabinet.

“Judicial participants get the opportunity to go against another teen in either a Trial Court or Court of Appeals. This is a great opportunity for any potential teens interested in law school down the road,” Campbell said.

YAG is provided by the school for any participant who wants to join. No previous skills are required.

“There actually aren’t a lot of skills that are needed in order to participate. I believe that this is a great opportunity for teens that are interested in government and want to role play aspects around government,” Campbell said.

Shipway took the opportunity, and YAG has now become the highlight of his year.

Shipway said, “YAG has definitely been the high point of my year, ever since I started the program. I love every second I’m there, and encourage everyone to participate in this amazing program.”