The Fond du Lac Family YMCA is investing in America’s future leaders through their local Youth in Government program. Recently, students in this program met weekly with Delegation Leader, Ben Giles, to discuss and learn about government, public speaking, debate, law, the media, and leadership. “We started this Youth in Government program in Fond du Lac because we saw a need for more student-run leadership programs in our community. It is very inspiring to see our leaders of tomorrow debating issues that are real and relevant in our society,” said Giles.
Over 180 total students statewide, from eleven programs, were involved in the culminating weekend-long conference at the Wisconsin Capitol, to complete this year’s Youth in Government program. The conference, called Model Government, took place from Friday, February 16th through Sunday, February 18th.
Twenty seven 6th-12th grade students in The Fond du Lac YMCA Youth in Government Program just returned from the Statewide Model Government Conference. While in Madison, the students, referred to as delegates, simulated a mock state government. Delegates formed a State Senate, State Assembly, Supreme Court, and Press Corps. They elected a Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and a Supreme Court Chief Justice. Participants in the Senate and Assembly wrote and debated their own bills, while delegates in the Supreme Court argued actual court cases. Press Corps participants created 5 newspaper editions, multiple videos, and social media posts on different platforms. They also hosted a Gubernatorial Debate. “Because of my experience in Youth in Government, I feel my voice matters and my opinions are valued. Seeing and experiencing how state government works was a real insightful and empowering moment. It’s also an easy way to meet many new friends. I’m already looking forward to the program next year,” said Kaylee Radue, 10th grade STEM Institute student.
Overall, the Fond du Lac delegates had great success. George Koonce Jr., a 6th grade delegate from Woodworth, was awarded outstanding delegate in the Assembly; Ethan Wilke, a 10th grader from STEM Institute, won best debater in the Supreme Court; and Cooper Kleinke, a 6th grade student at Theisen Middle School, was selected as the best first year delegate in the Press Corps. Additionally, Jordan Giles, a senior at St. Mary’s Springs, was elected Chief Clerk of the Senate.
For more information about the Fond du Lac Family YMCA Youth in Government program, please contact Ben Giles, at 920.921.3330 x319, or email him at bgiles@fdlymca.org.