GHS Speech and Debate students recently attended the 2025 Youth and Government Conference sponsored by the NH YMCA. The Youth and Government program took place on April 11th and 12th at the New Hampshire State House. Youth Government is structured similar to the U.S. Government- there is a House and Senate both with committees, a Supreme Court, and a governor with its supporting executive council. Members of Youth Government chose their role for the year within the simulated government. Harper Hover, a GHS sophomore and “lobbyist”, shares “it’s my job to research a bill and tell the people the information because they can’t be expected to know.” She advocated for various student generated bills to be passed through legislation such as, the mandatory teaching of CPR in schools along with mental health being integrated into curriculum. These bills, although not real, bring awareness and necessary conversation to the younger generation.

Most of the work is done in committee, similar to the federal government. Bills can die or be passed through committee. This is the make-or-break point in the legislation process. Sophia McAlister, a GHS sophomore and a “representative,” works endlessly in committee, judging the numerous bills sent her way. Sophia was in the Ways and Means Committee, meaning all the proposed bills were associated with fiscal legislation. For example, a free school lunch bill was brought into the committee. Sophia stated like many bills, it “has a good idea but isn’t executed right, and is too vague, which leaves the bill up for interpretation.” In many instances, there isn’t a benefit for the school’s deficit in funding. She claims some bills “take money from the wrong place or don’t give money in the right place.” This makes decisions in committee more difficult for representatives like Sophia to agree with.

At the conference, New Hampshire’s governor, Kelly Ayotte gave a speech regarding the importance of the youth being active in government. She spoke about her personal experiences and background, embracing the echoes of her past self. Noah Babin, a candidate for Youth Governor in the 2025-2026 school year shares the process of being granted this opportunity. He explained the many steps of becoming Youth Governor. Similar to the NH state government, there was a primary where only three out of the five candidates would move forward to the next event structured like a presidential debate. This debate consisted of nine questions about policies each person would like to enact. This allowed those voting to get to know the candidates. Noah’s responsibilities include developing the program on a state scale and the powers of a president within the legislative process, such as passing or vetoing a bill. He also works with an executive council which is the unique element of Youth Government. By establishing his position as Youth Governor, Noah has been given the opportunity to “go on a week-long trip to Washington D.C. and talk about what policies that matter to you.”