Houlton High School students get taste for life in politics

AUGUSTA, Maine — On March 5-7, eight students from Houlton High School journeyed to the state capital to participate in the Maine Youth In Government program, sponsored by the YMCA of Maine.
During those three days, the students had an opportunity to actively participate in a mock legislative process, where they were elected to positions and debated 63 bills, all of which came from students around the state.
At the regional training sessions, the participants can run for postions varying from Representative and Senators, to Lobbyists, Governor’s Cabinet and Newspaper Staff.
There is even a student Governor, who is elected to serve the following year.
“In additon to having leadership roles within the program, all participants are encouraged to draft legislation to be considered by the group. Before the bills are considered in Augusta, they must pass a ‘straight face test,’ meaning the students’ can only introduce legislation they feel can have a genuine impact on the state,” said class advisor Tim Tweedie. “Once approved by the program director, the bills are designated to committees, where they can be amended, then sent back to the House of Representatives and Senate with a recommendation of ‘Ought to Pass?’ or ‘Ought Not to Pass.’”
Once out of committee, students have an opportunity to work in the actual chambers of the Maine House and Senate to get an authentic feel for what it’s like to be a lawmaker. Some of the bills submitted this year by HHS students included: “Legalization of Physician Assisted Suicide,” “State Inspections of Equine Facilities Housing More Than Three Horses Per Acre,” and “Prohibiting Use of Child Leashes and Harnesses.”
“Our students really seemed excited to play an active role in a legislative process,” Tweedie said. “This program is terrific because it is as close as someone can come to feeling like a real state legislator, without actually being one.”
On Friday afternoon, Governor Baldacci addressed the students, which prompted a vision for Tweedie.
“I remember looking around and thinking, ‘If this is what the future of Maine looks like, I think we’re in pretty good shape.’ I think the students had a great time, and I was very proud to watch them engage with other student from around Maine. I look forward to taking a group back to next year’s program.”
In all, there were 91 students from throughout Maine, who participated in this year’s program. Houlton participants were: Ariel Foss, Patrick Hutchinson, Hiba Bilal, Tyler Delano, Danielle Daigle, Marina DiMarco, Abigail Kinens, and Lucas Anderson.
“The Youth in Government program was truly an amazing experience,” said Delano. “I learned a great deal about the functions of our government while meeting dozens of teens from around the state. It was one of the best programs I have ever had the pleasure of attending.”
“Youth in Government was informative and a lot of fun,” added Daigle. “I met other students with similar interests and made friends. Following parliamentary procedure was challenging, but I am glad I had the chance to attend such a wonderful program.”