On Nov. 11, students from FHN will travel to Jefferson City to a convention where they will participate in a mock government that models how the U.S. Government works.

The Youth In Government (YIG) convention will be held in the State Capitol over the course of three days. High school students from all over Missouri will get the chance to debate bills, run mock trials, and vote for political candidates.

“I really enjoy the formality of it and the feeling that you know what is going on,” Lisa Saville, a member of the Legislative branch, said.

There are five different areas of government students can choose to work for: the Judicial, Legislative, and Executive branches, as well as the Print Press and Video News Programs. This year most of the YIG students at FHN are in either the Legislative or Judicial branches.

“[My favorite part about YIG is] the fact that we get to meet new people and do a mock trial,” Kiran Singh, a member of the Judicial branch, said.

Megan Weber has other things to look forward to this year. YIG allows juniors with at least one year of YIG experience to run for an office. Weber said she will be running for governor this year.

“I’m going to start talking to people when I get to the convention and let them know what I would do if I were governor and why I think I would be a good candidate,” Weber, a participant of YIG for three years, said.

In preparation for the convention, in the classroom, students have been writing and submitting bills, reading over trials, and writing briefs.

“I want to see FHN come home with awards for their hard work,” Kathy Chostner, YIG adviser, said.

By Sophie Gordon