“My favorite part of YAG this year was competing in mock trials… you have to study your case a lot to respond to the judges’ questions, and it feels great when that work pays off.”

Mexico High School student Logan Munford wasn’t alone in that feeling. For 57 students from MHS, MMS, and St. Brendan, the Missouri Youth and Government program turned the State Capitol into their classroom for a weekend, where they debated bills, argued cases, worked as judges, wrote media stories, and discovered what leadership feels like in real time.

The state-conference of Missouri YMCA Youth and Government in Jefferson City was held Nov. 13-15.

Some students were drawn in by the challenge. Others wanted to better understand how Missouri’s government works. And for many, like MMS student Christian Liles, it was about connection.

“I was interested in YAG because I wanted to learn about our government inside of Missouri and I wanted to meet more people,” Liles said. “My favorite part was meeting the new people and overall the entire trip.”

Leslie Nichols, an MMS social studies teacher and YAG sponsor for the Mexico Delegation, played a key role in preparing students for this unique opportunity. A former YAG participant herself, Nichols draws on her own experience to inspire the next generation.

“The Youth and Government program offers students a one-of-a-kind leadership journey,” she said. “Each year, I get to watch their confidence grow. They learn how government and democracy work, all while building connections with peers from all over the state.”

Nichols’ impact drove student Sara Jenkins to join YAG; she also wanted the experience that she heard upperclassmen raving out.

“All of the older kids were talking about how it is such an amazing experience,” Jenkins said.

What they all walked away with was the same: confidence, new skills, and a stronger sense of their own voice.

Leadership Positions held this year:

Speaker of the House: Katie Crews
Judge: Rynn Ducan
Judge: Ava Schiener

High School Awards

Outstanding Statesperson (House): Sara Jenkins
Outstanding Photography (Media): Scotlyn Smith
Outstanding Photography (Media): Averee Hampton

8th Grade Awards

Outstanding Statesperson: Kindyl Peak, Audrey Brundege, Makaylia Spencer
Trial Competition Winner: Lauren Hanley
Outstanding Attorney: Cecilia Brauker, Lorisa Ibrami
Outstanding Bill: Natalie Isgrig, Asher Menefee, Chloe Jeffrey

Students from all three schools took on roles in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches: writing, debating, questioning, researching, and collaborating. Eighth graders explored each branch through the Civic Leadership Institute, helping them decide what they might want to focus on in high school. High school students came prepared with bills, court cases, or media stories that matched their interests.

This experience comes to life each year thanks to strong local partners: Attorney Matt Robnett, who helps judicial students prepare; Chaperones and advisors Julie Duncan and Vanessa Lamb; State conference volunteer Brendan Webber; and the Mexico Area YMCA, which coordinates the program locally.