Last week Central Hardin students attended the annual KYA conference. For those of you unfamiliar with the conference, it’s essentially three days of mock government where students can learn the process behind legislation, state elections, and even visit the Capitol Building in Frankfort. Central decided to go all in this year and participate in every aspect of the Y, and to say we were successful is an understatement. 

We had two bills pass through The House and The Senate, and bill sponsor and Central Hardin student Peyton Rabb spoke very highly of the experience. Her bill, written along with three other girls, was to legalize PAD (Physicians Assisted Death). Rabb said that her role in presenting the bill was the closing argument, which is very important because it’s the time when you address delegates opposing arguments. 

“Being a bill author provided me with the opportunity to see how our government works from an inside perspective,” Rabb said. “It furthered my understanding of state government law making and I would highly recommend it to anyone, regardless of their interest in government. The experience in and of itself was a great time.”

Another bill was passed by a group of sophomores and it was to pass legislation that would make it to where volunteer hours could earn you KEES money. It got ranked so highly that it was able to be presented at the Capitol Building.

Along with students presenting and passing progressive and intelligent legislation, we also had a student run for presiding officer, which is one of the top few mock positions you can win during the conference such as Secretary of State, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and Governor. Junior Ian Simpson ran for the chance at one of these positions and won Secretary of State, which is a very big deal.

Club sponsor Kacie Meyer was one of the people who fought hardest in Ian’s election during the whole trip, and all the preparation leading up to it.

“I have always had someone run for an office position every year that I have gone, and we have never won until this year,” Meyer said. “It was extremely cool to see him work hard towards a goal that he wanted and I know some people did not think he could achieve. Then his hard work and personality made it happen. He even had issues with his business cards, so I thought that might mess with his chances of winning, but he did amazing.”  

If you would like to see more about Ian Simpson’s success see our other article specifically focusing on the election.

Another great part of KYA is the social interactions and the new people you meet. Throughout the whole trip you’re constantly interacting with kids from different schools all around Kentucky that share the same interests you do. There’s even an opportunity for everyone to spend time together that doesn’t involve anything government related on the second night, they host a big dance and everyone gets together. I know so many people who have met some of their best friends at KYA and they’re so happy that they went.

KYA is an eye-opening experience to most students that they never regret attending. Kids who once never thought they could be interested in government are now suddenly passionately fighting for the chance to get to enact change in our system. If you’re interested in the Y, ask somebody who’s involved and see how you can be too.