Montgomery Catholic Students Successful at 2015 Youth Legislature Conference

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School had an exciting year participating in the YMCA Youth Legislature conference held at the Alabama State House February 20-22. The program allows over 500 high school students to take over state government for three days. Participants are required to write a bill on a topic of their choice and take it through the legislative process. Exciting elections and debate take place as students learn about state government and parliamentary procedure.

Overall, Montgomery Catholic had a very successful weekend.  Including four students in leadership positions at this year's conference. Senior Mary McLaughlin was Secretary of State, senior Elizabeth Overton was Director of Legislative Affairs, and sophomore James Sadie was a member of the Governor's Cabinet.  This year, Montgomery Catholic's Brian Anderson, a sophomore, who served as a First Year Presiding Officer, was also elected to serve as next year's House Pro Temp.

Anderson named 2016 House Pro Temp.

Five of the bills presented by Montgomery Catholic students made it to the calendar, with four of the five were debated on the floor. James Sadie/Sam McCracken, Elizabeth Overton, Cheyenne Hayes, and Nate Smith, were very well-composed and debated their bills well.  Hayes had her bill passed in the House.

Hayes presents her bill at the 2015 YMCA
Youth Legislature Conference.

Other impressive recognition for the Montgomery Catholic team were: Nate Smith, a sophomore, recognized as a First Year Outstanding Delegate; Brian Anderson invited to attend the Conference on National Affairs (CONA); and James Sadie and Mary McLaughlin were named as alternate invitees.  Additionally, Mary McLaughlin, Elizabeth Overton, and Charcille Randall received honor cords for participation in Youth in Government for three or more years.

Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School's Youth Legislature sponsors are High School History teachers Mrs. Stephanie Nelson and Mr. Justin Castanza and supported by Middle School teacher Miss D'Jara Britton.

Congratulations to all of the Montgomery Catholic students who represented the school so well at the YMCA Youth Legislature conference.