The two-day model legislation event was the culmination of months of preparation, regional caucuses, and a state-wide election for Governor and other key leadership positions. The Model Legislative Session brought together over 300 students from twenty-seven high schools in New Hampshire. The event began with a welcome from Governor John Lynch.  The local YMCA Youth & Government program is led by Fall Mountain Regional High School social studies teacher MaryTherese Lester and guidance counselor Trina Carmody along with Meeting Waters YMCA’s Senior Program Director Susan Fortier. The New Hampshire program of YMCA Youth & Government is one of the oldest in the nation—currently in its 59^th year.  

The YMCA Youth & Government Program gives high school students the opportunity to learn first-hand about state government by actively participating in the legislative process, culminating in a two-day mock legislative session. The program begins each year with 12 District Caucuses organized by YMCA staff throughout the state. District caucuses represent the organizational start of the program by registering delegates, electing regional officers and discussing potential legislation. Between the District Caucuses and Model Legislation, students are deeply involved in research and deliberation around proposed legislation. 

During the recent two-day Model Legislative Session, students actively participated by serving in House and Senate committees, presenting Bills they sponsored, debating Bills both in committee and then on the House and Senate floors, and, ultimately voting on legislation. Students not holding elected positions served in the press corps, as lobbyists, or on the State Supreme Court. All activities during the two days took place in the Statehouse and Legislative Building. 

At the conclusion of the two-day event Fall Mountain Regional High School’s Nathaniel Locke, Will Carmody and Wes Cubberley were recognized for the quality of the research, writing and presentation of their bill on health care for all NH youth.  FMRHS students also held several key leadership positions. Ian Zimmerman and Nathaniel Locke were elected by the peers to the Senate. Jack Ahern served as House Chaplain, Emma Carmody as a member of the Press Corps, Tia Lambert as Chair of the House Committee on Agriculture, Forestry and Recreation, Lauren Scarlett as House Clerk and Olivia Lincoln as Vice-Chair of the House Committee on Education.  

The purpose of the YMCA Youth & Government Program is to prepare participants for moral and political citizenship in local, state, or national government roles. YMCA Youth and Government provides guidance, training and an experience in the American democratic process through the form of state government. YMCA Youth & Government is coordinated by the Greater Manchester Family YMCA on behalf of the NH-VT Alliance of YMCAs.