On December 4, 5 and 6, 2014, five of the Interactors of Boone County participated at Kentucky Youth Assembly in Louisville and the Kentucky State Capital chambers in Frankfort.
“The Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) is a three-day experiential learning conference in which students participate directly in a simulation of the Commonwealth’s democratic process. Acting as Senators and Representatives, students write, debate, and vote on legislation that affects them. As candidates, lobbyists, or members of the media, students experience the rich spectrum of activity that constitutes our political process. As advocates and justices, students argue and judge a legal case in the actual Supreme Court chambers of Kentucky. Officers elected by students serve as Governor, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Media Corps Editor in Chief, and other conference leadership positions.
KYA offers students the opportunity to learn about a wide variety of issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging constructively with those who hold like and opposing views.”
Middle School Interactors Emily Hardesty and Aneliese Rodriguez presented a Premiere Bill: “An act to distribute state general funds equally across Kentucky for mental health treatment, addiction treatment and community care support.” Although it was defeated, they did an excellent job.
Middle School Interactors Owen Hardesty, Kaelley Shouse and Hanna Sweeney presented a Legislative Bill: “An act to provide junior high high school students with a break or recess during the school day to enhance academic performance.” Their bill passed the House and Senate. On Saturday morning it was signed by the KYA governor.
Both teams researched their bills, prepared and practiced speeches to defend their bills, and assembled educational boards in order to visually support it. The total number of students attending this conference (the third of four annual conferences) was 1300. They came from all areas of the state. Some were “first-timers” like us but others were very accomplished speakers and definitely not. In general assembly, several of the “accomplished speakers” talked about their first time at KYA—of feeling anxious and overwhelmed, of not knowing what to expect and of being inspired by others around them to let their light shine.
IT WAS AN AMAZING AND AWESOME EXPERIENCE!! Congratulations to each one of our Interactors for stepping out of your comfort zone and letting your voice be heard!
