Every year, PBS 8th Graders spend a day at the Louisiana State Capitol to participate in the National Youth Legislature.
Youth Legislature is a two-day mock legislative session held at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Each year more than 1,800 middle school students throughout Louisiana come together to learn the legislative process through hands on experience. Students participate in the process and procedures of Louisiana state government. Students run for and elect a Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President. Throughout Youth Legislature, students have the opportunity to participate in the entire legislative process. Students write, sponsor and debate bills. They lead and serve on legislative committees and speak publicly before an audience. The Press gathers and reports information about Bills, Legislators, Senators and the Governors cabinet while photojournalist document the proceedings through photography and videography and post on social media.
This program allows students to learn the legislative process firsthand and is such a valuable learning experience. This year’s class excelled tremendously in their roles as Officers, Bill Sponsors, Co-Sponsors, Senators and Representatives.
The following students were elected:
Bella Jay Bickley – Governor
Blane Burell – Speaker of the House
Skylar Zettlemoyer – Speaker of the House Pro Tem
Annsley Neel – President of the Senate
Cille Pourciau – President of the Senate Pro Tem
Grayson Rogers – Governor’s Cabinet
Hannah Caire – Governor’s Cabinet
Emma Tidwell – Governor’s Cabinet
The following 16 students were voted into The Hall of Fame by all of the teachers in attendance as well as National Youth Legislature staff for their exceptional work and engagement. They remained focused on their jobs, asked questions and spoke for and against bills that were presented on the floor of the House and Senate.
Cooper Albright
Ty Hensley
Audrey Hutchinson
Ryan Ogundele
Grayson Rogers
Gabriella Bautista
Elizabeth Elbourne
Landry Harrell
Bailey Sabrio
Kinsley Stewart
Hannah Caire
Abby Holifield
Judah Peoples
Sully Edmonds
Ava Matessino
Bella Jay Bickley
In addition, 2 of the Hall of Famers were given The Rising Star Award for exceptional work: Audrey Hutchinson and Judah Peoples.
We also had 11 Bills that were signed into law by the Governor (Bella Jay Bickley) and Cabinet.
Senate Bills: Bill Sponsor Rileigh Shehadeh & Co-Sponsor Laidyn Wilson – Qualification For Pet Ownership Bill Sponsor Carson Grantham & Co-Sponsor Carter Steele – Time Worked on Holidays Bill Sponsor Berkli Bencaz & Co-Sponsor Jenna Comeaux – Drunk Driving Fines Bill Sponsor Cruz Maddie & Co-Sponsor Gianni Pastore – Life Jacket Requirements Bill Sponsor Gabriella Bautista & Co-Sponsor Miley Gill – First Conviction Abuse Charges Bill Sponsor Mason Harris & Co-Sponsor King Dorsey – Texting While Driving Fines Bill Sponsor Ava Matessino – Suicide Prevention Program
House Bills: Bill Sponsor Sully Edmonds – Education Savings Account Bill Sponsor Brailyn Cameron & Co-Sponsor Maddie Bryant – Child Abuse and Neglect Bill Sponsor Paxton Carmouche & Co-Sponsor Ty Hensley – Seniors Retake Drivers Test Bill Sponsor Carter Oufnac & Co-Sponsor Jake Kendrick – Raising Deer Tagging Penalties
