“Youth in Government has provided me with opportunities like no other organizations. The connections I’ve built, and the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years have been invaluable.”

Senior Alyssa Nestingen, first winner of the Student Leadership Award

“We’re the largest academic club in Hastings. The whole thing is pretty involved. It’s not partisan. We focus on respectful conversations. It’s very pragmatic. It’s fun.”

Jim Hanson, program advisor

Youth in Government starts in the fall with students attending weekly meetings. It culminates with a Mock Assembly at the State Capitol in January. The Mock Assembly is a model of state government, with a youth governor, state houses and senates, as well as a judicial system.

The YMCA-sponsored Youth in Government and Model UN programs are among the most popular activities students at Hastings Middle and High Schools participate in. More than 100 students are involved in the programs.

The Hastings School Board heard from organizers and students involved at its meeting Wednesday, March 22 and heard of special honors several students received.

Jim Hanson and Derek Fairbanks are program advisors, and Amy Rowan of the Hastings YMCA coordinates on that end. Hanson told the board that this was the 25^th year of the Youth in Government.

Youth in Government starts in the fall with students attending weekly meetings. It culminates with a Mock Assembly at the State Capitol in January. The Mock Assembly is a model of state government, with a youth governor, state houses and senates, as well as a judicial system.

“We’re the largest academic club in Hastings,” Hanson said. “The whole thing is pretty involved. It’s not partisan. We focus on respectful conversations. It’s very pragmatic. It’s fun,” Hanson said.

More than 1,600 students participate statewide.

The high school three-day Model UN Conference will be held this weekend.

“They tackle world problems,” said Hanson. “We’re very proud of what they do.”

Rowan has been involved for 11 years.

“I have been lucky enough to be one of the adults in the background,” she said. “It’s really, really just an incredible program to be a part of.”

Eighth grader Kate Nowak was named an outstanding delegate.

“We get to learn about all three branches of government,” she said, explaining the students create a mock bill and try to get passage.

“We have a lot of fun together,” Nowak said. Her bill was intended to preserve prairies in Minnesota.

Ninth grader Gabe Peterson was named the outstanding member of the senate he participated in.

“That’s pretty impressive,” said Fairbanks.

Of the program, Peterson said, “It’s a space where I can debate with people respectfully. It’s a great educational opportunity.”

Ninth grader Jen Behnke participated in trial court and was elected as a judge for the next session.

“It was a good learning experience and learning curve to be with people who challenged us,” she said.

Peterson and Behnke will also be Model UN delegates representing Botswana.

Senior Alyssa Nestingen was the first winner of the Student Leadership Award at the Youth in Government Conference for the person who most embodies the program.

“It was pretty cool for Alyssa,” said Fairbanks.

She told school board members she plans to study political science in college and then go on to law school.

“Youth in Government has provided me with opportunities like no other organizations,” she said. “The connections I’ve built, and the knowledge I’ve acquired over the years have been invaluable.”

Hanson thanked the board for its continued support of the Youth in Government and Model UN programs.