Homer students report back from New York State Youth and Government conference in Albany

A delegation of Homer students who attended the New York State Youth and Government (YAG) conference in Albany reported on Tuesday night that they participated across the program’s legislative, judicial and executive branches and returned with leadership awards and experiences the students said will support civic skills.

The students presented to the Homer Central School District Board of Education, describing the program and the roles they filled. Hannah Ballance, YAG chapter president, said the conference was large and “very successful” and noted the conference drew about 750 delegates this year. Kerrigan, vice president, said the judicial program expanded to four courtrooms and that two students won best-attorney awards in their courtrooms.

Students explained the program’s structure and opportunities. Caitlin Driscoll, the chapter secretary, said YAG offers activities beyond the state conference including a middle-school program and a national conference on affairs she was selected to attend this summer. Nick Costa, who served as a presiding officer, described supervising debates in the assembly chamber and presiding during a joint session, and said rule changes this year helped smaller districts participate in presiding-officer roles.

Board members praised the students’ dedication and awarded certificates of excellence “on behalf of the board.” Several board members noted the weekly time commitment students made to the club and the district’s role hosting an inter-district winter conference. The board thanked the students and allowed them to leave early if they had other obligations.

The students’ presentations emphasized public speaking, parliamentary procedure, and hands-on leadership experience. Students urged continued local support for the program as a way to develop future civic and leadership skills in Homer.