Earlier this month, Hays High was represented at the 50th annual Conference on National Affairs in Black Mountain, North Carolina by incoming seniors Jordan Clements and Evan Vollbrecht.
The week-long Conference on National Affairs is attended by delegations and high-achieving students from over 40 states across the country who demonstrate exemplary debate skills and political knowledge, as well as strong leadership ability and potential.
While on the mountain, students discuss the policy proposals submitted by each delegate. Students also gather insight on perspectives and opinions on key issues as they vary across the United States and through the eyes of the people that have experienced them.
This helps to develop students in ways far beyond purely debate skills, shaping the next generation of leaders.
The Conference on National Affairs is the national meeting of the YMCA’s Youth and Government program which hosts some of the brightest high school students in each state every year for district and state conferences.
The chapter at Hays High School, founded only four years ago, has grown from seven members to around 40 and now has had individuals serve in leadership positions and win honors for speech and leadership skills at every level of the program.
At the conference, Clements was awarded the distinguished Outstanding Statesman for his speaking and leadership.
Additionally, Clements was elected last spring to serve as lieutenant governor at next year’s state Youth and Government conference in Austin, which is attended by over 1,500 students from across the state. Clements holds the distinction of becoming the first lieutenant governor at the Youth and Government Conference from the entire central Texas area in three decades. Vollbrecht was named a distinguished house delegate at the state conference.
