During a recent meeting of the West Oso Independent School District (ISD) board, Superintendent Kim Moore highlighted the success of the Youth Government Academy (YGA), now in its third year. The program, which saw participation from 11 students this year, is a collaboration with the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and aims to engage students in government and civic responsibilities.

Moore expressed gratitude for the support from various stakeholders, including the AFT representatives, local educators, and parents, who encouraged students to participate despite the challenges of summer schedules. She emphasized the importance of partnerships in providing students with enriching experiences, such as guest speakers and hands-on activities.

Dr. Nancy Vera, president of the Corpus Christi AFT, praised Moore's leadership and the collaborative efforts that have made the YGA a valuable program for students. She encouraged students to speak out against injustices and highlighted the importance of civic engagement.

Students Caitlin Casaneda and Gabriela Rodriguez shared insights from their YGA experience, discussing topics such as the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which addresses online threats to youth. Their presentations underscored the program's focus on real-world issues and the importance of informed citizenship.

The meeting showcased the district's commitment to fostering civic awareness among students and the positive impact of community collaboration in education.