Media Releases and Press
Tuesday, May 1, 2007 - 12:00 AM
Permission to reprint or copy this article or photo, other than personal use, must be obtained from The Seattle Times. Call 206-464-3113 or e-mail resale@seattletimes.com with your request.
Morrie Low
Guest columnist
Making politics our own
By Morrie Low
Special to The Times
The 2008 presidential election is shaping up to be one of the most interesting in American history, especially for my generation. It will be the first time many of us are able to vote. But there are still worries of political apathy among youth, begging the question: Do kids really care?
I am a high-school senior and can tell you that the answer is "yes."
Students can learn about civics in more places than just their classrooms, and Washington state is a better place when they do. Many of our region's prominent leaders in government, business and law started their political interests early and have gone on to populate our daily news.
But fame isn't the goal. Teenagers need to grow into adulthood with a better understanding of our political processes and their role in our democracy. They will be better people if they do.
This year, following adjournment of the Washington Legislature, teenagers from across the state are in Olympia putting their own unique experiences to the test. For many, this is their first glimpse of "the real world," and they take it seriously. Using knowledge gained throughout the year, they are drafting, proposing, debating and hopefully passing their own pieces of legislation. They are tackling real-life issues, such as global warming, immigration, gun control and abortion, as well as lighter topics that keep politics fun and interesting. In this way, they are making it their own.
For students, there has never been an easier time to "make it your own." The tools of our generation make sure of that. Presidential candidates are announcing their candidacies on the Internet. Blogs are spreading news faster than any time in history. And MySpace has become the medium of choice for insiders in our nation's capital to become "friends" with people around the country. And, in what is shaping up to be the longest presidential race in history, we have two years to pay attention in real time.
We can also make it our own with a newspaper at the breakfast table, a podcast on our iPod or a discussion group on the Internet. We can discuss important issues with our parents, teachers and friends. Or, we can write to our state legislators and members of Congress about a topic we simply find interesting.
However we do it, making an active contribution is the first step to becoming part of a productive democracy. Not all of us aspire to political office. We may become doctors, lawyers, teachers or scientists. But the lessons we learn about our government now will help us in our futures, whatever they may be.
Students should pride themselves on being informed not only about politics, but in the legislative process, and I hope more teenagers take the time to pay attention to our democratic institutions. We are the future, and learning about government, public policy and our political process is important. Make this time your own. You might even have fun doing it.
Morrie Low, a senior at Stevenson High School, in Stevenson, Skamania County, is the 60th youth governor for the YMCA Youth Legislature, which meets in Olympia May 2-5. For more information about YMCA Youth & Government, visit www.youthandgovernment.org
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEWS RELEASE
RE: YMCA Mock Trial Championships FROM: Lorrie Thompson
(360) 705-5347
2007 State High School Mock Trial Champion: Seattle Prep
OLYMPIA—MARCH 25, 2007— Seattle Prep High School took top honors this Sunday as the 2007 Champion of the statewide YMCA Youth and Government Mock Trial Program Competition. The team is now eligible to compete for the national title this May in Dallas, Texas.
Washington Supreme Court Justice James M. Johnson presided over the championship trial in Olympia with University Prep High School of King County and Seattle Prep competing for the statewide title. University Prep is eligible to compete in the American Mock Trial Invitational held in Brunswick, New Jersey.
Top ten finalists of the competition are as follows:
|
1st place: Seattle Prep
|
2nd place: University Prep
|
|
3rd place: Franklin
|
4th place: Eastside Catholic
|
|
5th place: Archbishop Murphy
|
6th place: Seattle Prep (2nd team)
|
|
7th place: Meridian
|
8th place: Tri-Cities Prep
|
|
9th place: Kennewick
|
10th place: Port Townsend
|
The Best Attorney Award went to Tyler Whitney of Kennewick High School, and the Best Witness Award went to three students in a three-way tie: Nicholas Aigner of Seattle Prep, Andrea Nelson of University Prep, and Shane Norman of Liberty High School.
For the Championship round, the Best Attorney Award went to Kelly Margard of University Prep, and the Best Witness Award went to Ruth Vizcaino of Seattle Prep.
A total of 20 high school teams from across the state competed for the title in a three-day, four-round competition this weekend at the Thurston County Courthouse, arguing the plaintiff and defense sides of a fictitious assault trial in which a musical megastar and a photojournalist clash with claims of privacy invasion and defamation. The case was written by King County Superior Court Judge William Downing, former state Mock Trial Program Chair.
This year marked the 20th Anniversary of the YMCA Mock Trial competitions, which began in 1987. The Mock Trial Programs is part of the YMCA’s Youth & Government program, which for 60 years has helped students experience democracy in action. Mock Trial allows students to participate in true-to-life courtroom drama before real judges in real courtrooms, gaining an understanding of the law and the role of the judiciary.
PROGRAM CONTACTS: Seattle Prep Head Coach Andy McCarthy, 206-931-1058; Judge Robert Lewis, Mock Trial Program Chair at 360-397-2226; Janelle Nesbit, Executive Director, YMCA Youth and Government Program at 253-370-1757.
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — February 8th, 2007
CONTACT: Janelle D. Nesbit
YMCA Youth & Government
Executive Director (360) 357-3475 or Cell (253) 370-1757
youthandgovexec@qwest.net
YMCA Youth from across the state gather for Governor’s Breakfast and Proclamation Signing, announcing the
60th YMCA Youth Legislature
“the other legislature”
WHAT: More than 100 YMCA Youth & Government delegates, alumni, and honored guests will gather in the Rotunda of the Legislative Building on Thursday, February 15th 7:30 to 9:00 a.m. for a breakfast with the Governor and signing the proclamation that brings the 60thth YMCA Youth Legislature into session.
The morning’s program includes speeches by Governor Gregoire and Youth Governor Morrie Low, of the Stevenson Delegation.
WHEN: Thursday, February 15th, 7:30 to 9:00 a.m.
Schedule for the morning is as follows:
7:30 a.m. Check in
7:40 Music
8:10 Speeches by Youth Governor Low and Secretary of State Reed
8:30 Speech by Governor Gregoire
8:40 Proclamation Signing
8:45 Breakfast and coffee outside the State Reception Room
WHO: YMCA Youth & Government delegates from throughout Washington, including: Youth Governor Morrie Low and other Youth Legislature Officers, Governor Christine Gregoire, Secretary of State, Sam Reed, and other distinguished guests.
WHERE: The Rotunda of the Washington State Legislative Building in Olympia
DETAILS: For 60 years, Washington YMCA Youth & Government has been helping young people experience democracy in action through two highly successful program: Youth Legislature and Mock Trial. Each year over 1,000 teenagers gain a deep understanding of our democratic traditions, their importance, and how to sustain them by their active participation in these Youth & Government programs. For additional information, call Janelle Nesbit, YMCA Youth & Government Executive Director or Sarah Clinton, Program Director, 360.357.3475.
This event is made possible by:
Sanitary Service Company, Harold LeMay Enterprises and Les Schwab Tire Centers along with
Microsoft, Starbucks Coffee Company, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle
PRESS RELEASE
January 12, 2007
For Immediate Release
Contact: Janelle D. Nesbit, Executive Director
YMCA Youth & Government
P.O. Box 193
Olympia, WA 98507
360-357-3475
YMCA YOUTH & GOVERNMENT SEARCHES FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERS STATEWIDE FOR THE
ROBERT F. UTTER AWARD
YMCA Youth & Government is soliciting nominations for its annual Robert F. Utter Award. The award recognizes consistent, outstanding and sustained contributions to the cause of civic leadership. Past recipients of the award are Robert F. Utter, retired Supreme Court Justice; the Honorable Daniel J. Evans, former Governor of the State of Washington; Frederick T. Haley, CEO of Brown and Haley of Tacoma; the Honorable Governor Christine Gregoire; The Honorable Ralph Munro, former Secretary of State; Bob Henderson, former YMCA Youth & Government Alumnus and Board member; Bill Sieverling, former YMCA Youth & Government Alumnus and YMCA Executive; and most recently Ray Johnston formally of Stevenson, Washington and Rick Nagel of Mercer Island both retired educators and long time advisors in the Youth & Government program.
The Robert F. Utter Award recognizes a role model for Youth & Government’s two teen leadership programs, Youth Legislature and Mock Trial. The recipient will be an individual of unquestionable integrity who exemplifies outstanding citizenship, leadership and character in a manner that encourages the development of leadership skills and social responsibility in youth.
Send your nomination for the award to YMCA Youth & Government, P.O. Box 193, Olympia, WA 98507, on or before February 1, 2007. An official form can be obtained by calling 360-357-3475 or visiting our website at www.youthandgovernment.org; however, all nominations will be considered. The Board of Directors of YMCA Youth & Government makes the final selection in March. The award will be presented at the annual Youth Legislature Governor’s Cabinet Reception on May 2, 2007.
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — January 4, 2007
CONTACT: Janelle Nesbit,
YMCA Youth & Government
Executive Director
360-357-3475
youthandgovexec@qwest.net
YMCA Youth & Government Alumni Search
WHAT:
Spring of 2007 marks the 60th Anniversary of the Washington YMCA Youth & Government program. For over half a century Youth & Government programs have been teaching democratic values to the youth of Washington by creating opportunities for students to actually participate in the democratic process. The Youth Legislature program offers teens the opportunity to write and debate legislation in the floor of the Washington State Legislative Building while the Mock Trial program teaches young people the intricacies of the court system through the process of trying a case in front of real judges in real courtrooms.
WHEN:
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2007 on the Washington State Capitol Campus
o Alumni Reception
o Celebration Banquet
o Historical displays, pictures, and stories
WHO:
YMCA Youth & Government is currently looking for individuals who have participated in either the Youth Legislature or Mock Trial Program in the past 60 years and are interested in celebrating with us. There will be special Anniversary events including an Alumni Reception and Celebration Banquet held on the opening evening of the 60th Session of the YMCA Youth Legislature. There will also be volunteer opportunities available for those interested in giving back to the program that has done so much for the democratic education of Washington’s youth.
WHERE: Washington State Capitol Campus
DETAILS:
For more information or to become involved in the YMCA Youth & Government Anniversary Celebration, please contact Janelle Nesbit at 360-357-3475 or youthandgovexec@qwest.net.
The Olympian
Estimated printed pages: 3