November 21, 2024 – Thirty-five students from Mexico High School (MHS), Mexico Middle School (MMS), and St. Brendan Catholic School (SBS) recently showcased their leadership skills at the Missouri Youth and Government (YAG) program in Jefferson City. The annual event, held over a November weekend at the State Capitol, provided students with hands-on experiences simulating the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government.

Ms. Leslie Nichols, an MMS social studies teacher and YAG sponsor for MHS, MMS, and SBS, played a key role in preparing students for this unique opportunity. A former YAG participant herself, Ms. Nichols draws on her own experience to inspire the next generation. "Democracy must be learned by each generation," Ms. Nichols shared, quoting the YAG motto. "This program empowers youth to engage in civic responsibility and make a difference in the world. Our students gain a deeper understanding of government and democracy than most of their peers. It’s an incredibly powerful experience.”

Highlights of the event included recognition for several students’ outstanding achievements:

• Outstanding Bill (CLI): Caroline Fisher, Dylann Hunt, and Lily Blackburn
• Outstanding Attorney (CLI): Isaac Farnell
• Outstanding Bill (House): Jayde Dodd and Bentley McCarty
• Outstanding Social Media Post: Lola Keith
• Speaker of the House: Katie Crews

MHS student Katie Crews has participated in YAG for four years and was selected as Speaker of the House. She campaigned by making posters and offered a speech to the delegation. “I proposed bill to ban solidary confinement in correctional facilities in Missoui. It passed through the House and the Senate, but didn’t make it past the Governor’s desk.” 

Senior Andrew Peuster served as Secretary of State for Missouri, which delegated him to to run all elections and sign every bill the Governor signs. Puester reported 550 students across Missouri participated and over half of the attendees were new this year. 

Students participated as legislators, attorneys, judges, and journalists, engaging in activities such as debating bills, arguing legal cases, and publishing media reports. Through these roles, they developed critical skills in public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership, while gaining a deeper understanding of civic responsibility and democracy.

Eighth-grade students from MMS and SBS participated in the Civic Leadership Institute (CLI), where they explored various branches of government and gained valuable insights to help them choose a focus for high school. High school students prepared bills, legal cases, or media stories aligned with their chosen branch.

Local support played a key role in the students’ success. Attorney Matt Robnett worked with judicial students on trial preparation, while Julie Duncan, Brendan Webber, and Vanessa Lamb  attended as chaperones and advisors for the eighth-grade participants. Brendan Webber also helps as a state conference volunteer. The program is coordinated locally by the Mexico Area YMCA, with YMCA CEO Brooke Oliver also attending the event.

"Our students truly embodied leadership and civic responsibility during the Youth and Government program," Oliver said. "This program builds confidence and critical thinking skills while empowering young leaders to positively impact their communities. We are so proud of their hard work, dedication, and leadership."

Photos from the event are available on the Mexico Public Schools Facebook page.