The KYA Times

The Stories Behind the Gavels

By: James Pack
All of us hold our KYA experiences near and dear to our hearts, from the
passionate debates and hectic elections to the delicious smoothies and ageless "repeatafter-me" songs. Here is what some of the students who work behind the scenes to make
the KYA experience what it is have to say:
"What led you to become a leader at KYA?"
Our leaders at KYA, from our Governor to the Committee Chairs, come
from across the commonwealth to help make the
program run smoothly. Similarly, they all assumed their
roles in their own fashion, just like all other delegates.
Some, such as chair Cameron Luker (St. X, pictured at
right), have been involved since middle school, and
loved the debates that inspire change when delegates
return home. As recommended by their sponsors and
the Y staff, Cameron and other chairs have taken the
role as a moderator for the debates, ensuring that the
fundamental component of KYA, the discussion of
ideas, runs smoothly.
Others, such as Senate President Tony Liu (South Oldham, shown at left)
and Secretary of State Will Harris
(Glasgow), were inspired by the leaders of
past conventions during speeches, and
wished to lead a program full of those

seeking change for the common good.

Finally, there are some delegates who assumed their roles to help out
friends that they have made through Y conferences. House and Senate Clerks
Taylor Whitsell (Boyle County) and Madison Wolff (South Oldham) both took their
positions at the request of their friends in office. Both longtime KYA delegates,
they have stepped forward to make sure that the KYA experience is complete for
all of us, even if they have to cut off some of our speeches.
"What is it like for you to help run an organization of over 1400 people?"
The overwhelming response from the officers has been humbling. Like so
many others, they have been a part of KYA from middle school until now, their
senior years, and have always wanted to be a part of the democratic process
they see. For some, such as Speaker of the House Will Reynolds (St. X), the
experience has opened his eyes to the complex, almost chaotic world of the Y
staff that controls every aspect of KYA. No longer is KYA a simple process if
debating and voting on bills. Now, it is an intricate web of Supreme Court cases
interpreting the law, bill authors attempting to solve legislative issues, lobbyists
looking to protect their interests, and the delegates doing their best to improve
their home state. However, not all officers see it this way. Others, such as Senate
President Tony Liu (South Oldham) see a complicated web suddenly click, as the
beauty of the program at work seems to flow through each of its parts as a true
model of democracy. No matter which delegate you ask, however, they all agree
it is nerve wracking to be in the same place as those that inspired them to make
changes for the better only a few years ago.
"What are three [3] words you would use to describe the Kentucky Youth
Assembly?"
"You are important" -Symone Whalin (Larue County)
"Changing the Commonwealth" -Will Harris (Glasgow)
"Epic, Fantastic, and Whelming" -Will Reynolds (St. X)
"Illuminated, Fresh, and Vivacious" -Taylor Whitsell (Boyle)
These officers have worked long and hard to make this year's KYA
experience as amazing as it has been. They hope that all delegates who have
taken part of the program this year will be inspired to look forward to improving
Kentucky for both today and the generations to come.

The KYA Experience

By: Sabryn Framer
"People have never
learned from
experience, they have
to find out for
themselves."
-Paulo Coelho
At KYA, students are given the
opportunity to become the
government; we are here to learn
how to become the future leaders of
our commonwealth. We so-called
immature high school students are
given a voice. For many across the
commonwealth, KYA is their only
voice; for many others, KYA is a
powerful experience that can truly
alter their everyday lives. Here at
KYA we get to make friendships and
experiences that could last a lifetime.
To many, KYA means strangers that
turn into friends who, in turn, become
family.
KYA is an unforgettable and
amazing experience. Almost every

person that goes enjoys themselves.

Student Kelley Wilson states in an
interview what her past and present
experiences at KYA have been like,
"My experiences have been the best
and some of my favorite memories
come from KYA. I honestly don't think
my experiences could be any better
because of how much they have
taught me. To anyone that has never
been to KYA; I encourage you to not
only speak but to listen to what each
person has to say. I also encourage
you to make friends with people.
They each have the talent and
leadership skills to one day be over
the Commonwealth and this nation."
Everyone at KYA has had a
completely different experience and
no two years are alike, but KYA is
worth coming to; it teaches you to
stay true to yourself and that it's okay
to have opinions that differ from
someone else's. KYA teaches
students how to respect everyone's
opinions and to take the time to talk
to others about these opinions. It
gives students the chance to talk to
others and form their own opinions
about controversial topics that our
generation faces.

United We Stand
By: Alyssa Greer
Though it has changed
immensely over the years in
which it has existed, it seems
that one thing has always been
true of the Kentucky Youth
Assembly: it is a program that,
despite everything, runs like a
cohesive, well-oiled machine.
Powered by the YMCA
and formatted after our states
legislative government as a
whole, KYA is an immensely
entertaining, educational
experience for students interested in political processes (and even for some who
arent). As a direct result of this wide-spanning level of appeal, the Assembly
tends to attract a very diverse population of participants; that is, those from
nearly every imaginable type of background, political view, economic stature,
cultural standpoint, etc. In most situations, such strong-rooted diversity amongst
a group of young people would spell serious trouble. KYA, however, has always
presented these dissimilarities in a different light; rather than allowing these
obvious discrepancies to separate its members, the Assembly has incorporated
to them to such extents that they have arguably become the very glue which
holds its members together.
No one, perhaps, knows this better than Sonya Gardner, a KYA advisor
with what will soon be fifteen years of experience under her belt. When asked to
describe the overall interaction of attendees at this conference and those prior,
Gardner was quick to explain that it doesnt take long to get students to interact.
She went on to further explain that delegates are consistently very civil in their

debates, despite what may be very large differences in their views on the matter
at hand.
In addition to an overall respect for their fellow delegates, participants in
the KYA tend to pose an even more unique trait: a readiness to engage, and to
participate, regardless of the task at hand. Its always a really positive
atmosphere, says Alex Morgan, a third-time returning delegate from Daviess
County High. You know you can speak your mind without being attacked, even if
youre from different political parties. Alex, who also testifies to loving the everinteractive Y-Songs (who doesnt?), elaborated on this, explaining that KYA
debates are often almost better (that is, more lively, civil, and well-orchestrated)
than those sometimes seen in our actual government.
To conclude, the KYA is an organization which has not only managed to
incorporate people from all walks of life over the years, but also to incorporate
them well. At this point, it seems that there is but one effective way to summarize
our assembly, and that is through our very own commonwealth motto: United we
stand, divided we fall.

Bill Controversies
By: Travis Felty
With positive and outlooks coming from all delegations, a few very particular bills stood
out. East Carter High Schools bill, In act to ban conversion therapy on minors. The bill authors;
Alyssa Greer, Lauren Thomas, Sara Geyer, and Katie Cartwright were very passionate and
confident for this years conference. A quote directly from the authors, summarizing the bill,
This bill is nonpartisan, but a progressive move to keep all minors safe. With no con speeches,
there were two lobbyists who spoke strongly in favor of the bill. We must rank this bill highly in
order to protect our youth, one said. The audience reacted very positively, with lots of technical
questions ending strongly in favor.
Another very sought after and debatable bill was In act to make targeting first
responders a hate crime-Blue Lives Matter, presented by Bill Authors Emma Stevenson,
Savanah Anderson, and Rachel Blevins from Franklin County High School. A quote taken from a
bill author is as follows: They are targeted for their uniform, and keeping us safe. With lots of
pro and con speeches from every direction, the bill authors addressed them adequately.
Equally discriminating to attack police officers
Protect the people who take care of us.
These were some pros from the pro/con debate portion.
They shouldnt be placed under this law based on their occupation.
This isnt an issue to be addressed here.
These were some quotes in opposition of the bill. As you can see, this was a hot bill at the first
nights debates.

Although I didnt get to catch the final bill in its entirety, I did read and hear enough about
it. Before debates started, there was a line waiting to hear from the bill authors and to get a
glance at their trifold. A con that was discussed among fellow delegates was the morality of the
concept. A pro that was talked over was the benefits to the economy. If you were able to catch
this bill Im action, Im sure it was one to be heard.