Fifty Ann Richards School students attended the 71st Annual Youth and Government State Conference held in Austin from January 25-28, 2018. The conference activities took place at the Renaissance Arboretum Hotel and all around the Capitol Complex. We had delegates in State Affairs, Legislative, Judicial, and Media sections of the competition.
Ann Richards School State Officers running the conference were:
Maddy Schell – Social Media Editor-in-Chief
Willow Dalehite – Print Editor-in-Chief
Ann Richards School Awards and Recognitions:
Social Media Distinguished Delegates: Becca Alonso, Zaira Ruelas
House Bill signed into law by the Youth Governor (only one of entire competition): Marlene Mora
Outstanding Club Delegate: Marlene Mora
Premier Delegation: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders
Delegate Carolina Vazquez talks about how interesting it is to hear bills from the sponsors point of view as opposed to the bill author. “it’s amazing when sponsors are able to fully support the bill and successfully get their point across.” #TXYG18 (ZR)
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
House member, Sophia Boyd contributes on why she joined her branch specifically. “I joined the legislative branch because I wanted to see the way the government worked, and how the laws came to be. How they were being picked apart and seen in every way by the delegates.” (PO)
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
Delegate Shana and Vania Neri talk about how challenging their last trial was. “I would probably just change the way I answered the objections because that would’ve changed how much evidence was presented during the trial, possibly leading to a different outcome.” #TXYG18 (ZR)
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
Delegate Lizbeth Frausto from the Ann Richards School, feels more relaxed today than yesterday as this is her first year at state. “Yesterday I felt what state trial was.” Her goal for today is to win the last trial with her team’s confidence. (BVA)
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
First-year delegate Ariela Velaquez of the Ann Richards School just arrived at the Capitol to participate in the Hyde House.
“This is my first year so everything is really new to me,” Velaquez said. “I feel very welcome though.” #txyg18 (MP) pic.twitter.com/lU50Y4QoYj— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 26, 2018
In the Senate, the quadrant system allows each section a chance to turn in their Pro/Con and Amendment papers first. Yesterday, after all senators turned in their papers, they were shuffled.
Delegate Eleanor Bailey of Ann Richards High School feels this negated the purpose. (MP) pic.twitter.com/GgbkAMveJM— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
Delegate Litzy Santana from the Ann Richards School delivered her closing statement #TXYG18 (ZR) pic.twitter.com/vUzbyHjwiB
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 26, 2018
“The quadrant system is pointless at this point,” Bailey said. “[Shuffling] eliminates the purpose and makes everything more confusing. By being able to have your slips read, you get a chance to really debate the bill, which is the whole purpose of us being here.” (MP) pic.twitter.com/eLaIUKXhMi
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
Julia Mendoza talks about how different the House and Senate are which came as a surprise. “Last year I was in the senate so there were a lot less people, it was easier to get your voice heard, now it’s more chaotic” Mendoza says. #TXYG18 (ZR)
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
Delegate Marlene Mora from the Ann Richards School, has a bill to “eliminate the sales tax on feminine products” and to “reclassify them as medical necessities” as she believes the removal of taxes will eliminate the financial burden and achieve more social respect. (BVA)
— YMCA Texas Y&G (@texasyg) January 27, 2018
FF to 13:40 for Alysha’s speech
