<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3iskyz_0viVTbbf00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3iskyz_0viVTbbf00" width="1198" height="674" ><figcaption>Timberland Youth and Government delegates to the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs in June. Left to Right: Sabrene Lutfiyya, Sabrina Longwell, Danny Wilson, Will Bastean, Skai Peterkin and Jade Wilson. (Source: Wentzville School District)</figcaption></figure>A group of six Timberland High students recently traveled to the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly conference center, nestled in the heart of Black Mountain, North Carolina. Joined by delegates from over thirty states, these students gathered to develop leadership skills and engage in debates and discourse on current national issues. Will Bastean, Sabrina Longwell, Sabrene Lutfiyya, Skai Peterkin, Danny Wilson and Jade Wilson are all part of Timberland High’s Youth and Government (YAG) program. The six helped represent Missouri at the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs (CONA), June 28-July 4. Now graduated from Timberland and in freshman year at University of Missouri, Bastean first got in involved with Timberland's YAG program in his junior year of high school when fellow CONA delegate Peterkin convinced him to attend an interest meeting during the first week of their public speaking class. “I was hesitant, but going ended up being one of the best decisions of my life,” Bastean said. “I was a pretty soft spoken kid and up to that point, had somehow convinced all of my teachers in highschool to let me abstain from public speaking.” The program changed that, as he learned to speak confidently and moved into a leadership position in his senior year. Attending CONA was a surprise for Bastean. “I'm not exaggerating when I say that when I received the email that I had been accepted, I jumped out of bed like a cartoon character,” Bastean said. “Timberland's delegation had many who applied, and many who I thought were far more qualified than me.” Chosen as one of 25 delegates from Missouri to attend, Bastean soaked in the experience in North Carolina. “The level of debate and conversation being held was much higher than at the state level, and the proposals were complex, thought out, and most importantly were unique and highlighted the personality of every author presenting them,” Bastean said. “I think my biggest lesson learned there was just another step up in my public speaking skills.” At CONA, Peterkin, a second-year delegate, led debriefing sessions for the Missouri delegation. Bastean helped to oversee overall operations and the decision-making processes of the conference. “What presented a unique challenge to me was navigating the inter-delegation conflicts that occurred,” Bastean said. “I never wavered in speaking up for my delegates who came to me with problems or quarrels they had with delegates of other states, but where the challenge lay was doing so in a way that maintained the respect and decorum of every party involved in front of the collective committee.” The range of topics debated at CONA spans hot topic issues like abortion to more niche discussions, like IRS protocol. Though the discussions are handled with respect, pushback and criticism must be navigated as well as the topics are debated. Bastean felt this polite dissent was handled in a mature and respectful manner. “What highlights a leader the most is their ability to motivate others, quash conflict and establish a clear course of direction for any obstacle the collective faces,” he said. Bastean hopes to see more growth and involvement in YAG. “Being in YAG emphasizes the importance that the government and politics have in our lives and how it will affect you and your community for better or worse,” he said. “The biggest thing individuals can do is to better educate themselves on the problems that their community is facing, and who the local candidates are and what they represent. A community's needs are specific, so educating yourself and others is the best way of ensuring the necessary changes for the betterment of your community are able to take place.” </div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Youth and Government lead at YMCA Youth National Conference

A group of six Timberland High students recently traveled to the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly conference center, nestled in the heart of Black Mountain, North Carolina. Joined by delegates from over thirty states, these students gathered to develop leadership skills and engage in debates and discourse on current national issues.