Tappan Zee students showcase Youth in Government and Model UN programs and national selections

Students from Tappan Zee High School presented the district board with a detailed overview of Youth in Government and Model United Nations activities, national conference participation and how the programs develop leadership and civic skills.

Griffin Meltzer, Sophie Barsanti, Rianna Patel and Thomas McKenna described YIG’s three branches — legislative, judicial and press — and explained how students prepare bills, argue mock cases and produce conference media. The students said the YMCA runs the Youth in Government program statewide and provides fundraising and logistical support for state and national travel. “The YMCA gives us a lot of room to lead as students, while also giving us guidance and rule books,” a student said.

Student presenters noted selection to competitive national programs: the Conference on National Affairs (KONA) and the National Judicial Competition (NJC), and said Tappan Zee often sends multiple delegates to those events. The press branch has also sent delegates to national conferences and added a broadcast component in recent years.

Presenters described the Columbia Model UN Conference (CMUNEX) and crisis committees, noting the experience helps students build public speaking, research and rapid problem-solving skills. They encouraged younger students to participate, saying the programs build confidence and create connections across the state and beyond.

Board members praised the student work and representation at state and national events. The district acknowledged the YMCA partnership and named Scott Muscat as a club advisor attending the meeting.