Prep delegates make their points in Youth Legislature

By Tynes Carroll and Genevieve Hurst|November 18, 2016

The Mississippi Youth Legislature conference took place in downtown Jackson Wednesday, November 9 through Saturday, November 12 this year. Over 400 students came from all over Mississippi, ranging from the southern coast all the way to the northern tip of the state. Prep brought 45 students and three advisors.

Students are assigned into either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Due to the influx in students attending the conference this year, there were two parallel Houses and Senates running simultaneously, labeled “Jefferson” and “Hamilton.” Meetings were held in the Jackson Marriott, where delegates also stayed, as well as in the state’s Capitol Building and the Old Capitol Museum.

The conference is a simulation of the Mississippi state legislature in which students draft bills and present them to their assigned committee, chamber. The “Youth Governor” ultimately decides the fate of the bills that have passed to his desk. Many Prep students who attended the conference said that it was a fun way to public speak, debate, and possibly find out what career they are interested in. They were able to learn parliamentary procedure, fight people over bills, and meet new people from all over the state.

Prep seniors Logan Gage, William Leech, and Easton Sheffield served as Youth Legislature officials this year, and Prep ninth-grader Alex Stradinger was tapped to be part of the Governor’s staff.

There were many special guests this year at the conference. From Marshall Ramsey to U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, students were sure to be interested.

At the end of the conference students got to vote on candidates for Youth Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker Pro Tempore, and a host of other positions.This allowed students to feel like they were a large part of the election process. It was interesting to see people you knew from chamber running for these spots. They spoke on why they should be elected and answered a series of questions from legislators. One of the candidates for governor was Prep junior Aidan Creel. The positions were announced on Saturday right before leaving, and they will be the officers of the 2017 conference.

Youth Legislature this year was a great success, with many impressive bills and influential legislators.

Part of the Prep delegation meets with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) before he addresses the closing ceremony.
Part of the Prep delegation meets with U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) before he addresses the closing ceremony.
Senator Wicker chats with Phoebe Carlton.
Senator Wicker chats with Phoebe Carlton.
Rep. Robert Wasson makes a point in the House chamber of the Mississippi Capitol.
Rep. Robert Wasson makes a point in the House chamber of the Mississippi Capitol.
Rep. Alex Reichle addresses the House.
Rep. Alex Reichle addresses the House.
Rep. Aidan Creel seeks the chair's attention.
Rep. Aidan Creel seeks the chair’s attention.
Rep. Kennedi Pass makes a point.
Rep. Kennedi Pass makes a point.
Rep. Kennedi Pass makes a point about her bill.
Rep. Kennedi Pass makes a point about her bill.
Seeking the chair's attention in the House chamber.
Seeking the chair’s attention in the House chamber.
Sen. Cameron Mabry stands ready for questions.
Sen. Cameron Mabry stands ready for questions.
Sen. Wesley Roberson explains things to his fellow legislators.
Sen. Wesley Roberson explains things to his fellow legislators.
Sen. Dylan Malone listens to a question.
Sen. Dylan Malone listens to a question.
Senator Hannah O'Bryan in the Senate chamber of the state Capitol building.
Senator Hannah O’Bryan in the Senate chamber of the state Capitol building.
William Leech takes notes in the chamber he helps lead.
William Leech takes notes in the chamber he helps lead.
Easton Sheffield addresses the convention.
Easton Sheffield addresses the convention.
Chairman Will Nall (right) presides over his committee.
Chairman Will Nall (right) presides over his committee.
At the end of a long session.
At the end of a long session.
The Youth Leg banquet.
The Youth Leg banquet.
Kennedy Marble and Emison Geiger cut loose at the last evening's Youth Leg dance.
Kennedy Marble and Emison Geiger cut loose at the last evening’s Youth Leg dance.
Prep delegate and gubernatorial candidate Aidan Creel participates in the ancient legislative tradition of the dance-off.
Prep delegate and gubernatorial candidate Aidan Creel participates in the ancient legislative tradition of the dance-off.
Smiles at the banquet.
Smiles at the banquet.

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Working on a bill.
Working on a bill.