The Pine Bush High School Youth in Government members attended the annual steering convention at Newburgh High School and came away with five elected officials from our contingent.

In the Peoples Party, the Pine Bush winners were:

• Arianna Birch for County Judge
• Mason Cichon for State Senator B.

In the Citizens Party the Pine Bush winners were:

• Chloe Rosa for Sheriff
• Scarlett Santiago for NYS Attorney General
• Ronny Mazza for County Executive

 

This convention is a mock election for local, state and national offices. Pine Bush had 43 students attend, with 20 students running for the 22 public office positions, 11 in each of the Peoples Party and the Citizens Party. The parties have no political affiliations and are used only to break up the large group of students.

The students that ran for positions were prepped ahead of time by receiving a packet explaining the roles of the 11 positions available. Many of our students picked a position that is something they are interested in doing in the future, like law and public outreach.

 

 

In their after school meetings, Charlene Webster, their Youth in Government advisor, aided them in speech writing and how to tie their position to their ambitions and qualifications. They each wrote a two-minute speech emphasizing their qualities and why they wanted to run for that position. They presented to more than 120 students in their designated parties.

 

They also could make flyers or campaign cards to distribute for their campaign. This year, Youth in Government students teamed up with the National Art Honor Society members and created campaign posters that the candidates could display in the designated areas of Newburgh High School.

 

“This is the most we have ever had and again it is credited to the hard work and dedication these students have for this program,” said Ms. Webster. “What a rewarding day! I am so very proud to be the advisor of this amazing group of students this year.”

A shout out to Jessica Grasso for attending the convention with the group and being the lead for the Citizens Party.

“She has been such a big part of this program when we attend these conventions because she once was the advisor for Youth in Government in Minisink High School,” said Ms. Webster. “She knows the ropes, and is a great colleague. The students really appreciate her insight.”

A bonus for these dedicated students – PBHS is in the running to win the coveted Youth in Government trophy this year. 

Congratulations to all our student candidates! Great job to all!