Queensbury High School Students Represent District at Statewide Youth and Government Conference

Five Queensbury High School (QHS) students attended the 88th annual YMCA Youth and Government (YAG) state conference. The event took place at the Desmond Hotel and the NYS Capitol from March 22-24. The students represented their school and YAG District 3, which includes students from other regional schools. They participated in the legislature and presented bills in the Assembly chamber and the Legislative Office Building hearing rooms.

Isaiah Nieves, a QHS student, proposed a bill for a maximum age restriction for NYS Legislature members. His peers, Sade Maranville, Max Dreon, Paige Dreon, and Xiao Ying Cheng Wu, proposed a bill requiring maternal healthcare providers to offer post- and prenatal care. This aimed to detect maternal depression.

Both bills were passed in the chambers but were later vetoed by the youth governor. Despite this, YAG advisor Andrew Terry praised the students for their hard work and dedication. He recognized the challenge of defending a position in front of a large audience.

The YAG conference is a three-day program where students participate in a model state government. They debate bills they have written in the New York State Senate and Assembly chambers. The program helps students learn about various issues, develop critical thinking skills, and articulate their beliefs while engaging with peers from around the state.

Youth and Government is an extracurricular activity at QHS. Members meet every Thursday from late-September until March to prepare for the conference. The program's goal is to give students a practical understanding of the legislative process and encourage civic participation.

This article has been enhanced with AI assistance. Agree to access AI-generated content by clicking here, or opt for content with less AI influence here.