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.