Youth in Government

Impressions from Augusta Event

Michael Waugh

Madison Boucher ’19, Sydney Thompson ’19, Wyatt Fullen ’19, Elizabeth Collins ’21 and Rebecca Collins ’19 pose in front of the Augusta State House.

Elizabeth Collins, Staff Writer
November 15, 2017

  • Madison Boucher ’19, Sydney Thompson ’19, Wyatt Fullen ’19, Elizabeth Collins ’21 and Rebecca Collins ’19 pose in front of the Augusta State House.

    Michael Waugh
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  • Rebecca Collins during her speech for the governor candidacy

    Michael Waugh
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When you think fun, you probably don’t think of government.

Last weekend, five PIHS Youth In Government members travelled down to Augusta with their advisor Michael Waugh for the annual Youth In Government event.

Youth in Government seems like something not many people would enjoy, however, it turns out that processing bills is actually pretty amazing. When you walk into the Augusta State House you feel a sense of liberty and justice. The marble floors, vaulted ceilings and massive paintings add to the formality of the House. The Senate and House of Representatives convene to pass the bills into laws.

The first day you testify about your bill to a mock committee where it’s decided if it is to pass or fail. You add proof, answer questions, and fight for what you believe in. If it is decided that your bill is going to pass, it needs to go through a mock parliamentary procedure. The hands-on approach allows you to feel like you’re at work making the world a better place.

Some people didn’t  share the enthusiasm of others though. “If I fall asleep, and don’t wake up when he bangs the gavel, I’m probably dead,” said Massabesic High School student Jeffrey Waters.

“This weekend is my absolute favorite ever,” said Presque Isle High School junior Rebecca Collins. “I love being able to see my friends and how the people change from year to year.

“I think the Youth in Government convention really proved that young adults have a passion for politics,” said Mr. Waugh, the advisor for Youth in Government and PIHS’s Civics and World Studies teacher. “It was exciting to see the kids thinking about real issues in very serious ways. Some of the debates in each chamber were pretty amazing. My favorite part is when the kids get a chance to sit in the chambers and openly argue for or against bills they’re interested in. We had a really good group this year that aimed high. Rebecca Collins ran a great race for the Youth Governor position. Wyatt Fullen gave a stirring message as the YIG Chaplain, and he also got his bill passed by the current Youth Governor. It was a great weekend for them.”

Even if you don’t have a great love for government, you’ll find you have a great love for this program. Youth in Government is more than just kids learning about the law. It’s about bringing people together. You’re treated just like the people who work there. You can run for governor, speaker of the house, or a clerk. Whether you’re far right or far left, a democrat, republican, highly conservative or highly liberal, you’ll realize you share at least one thing in common with other people: a chance to change the future.

Michael Waugh
Wyatt Fullen ’19