We had a great 2026 Youth in Government conference Thursday - Sunday. We had several appointed leaders at the Conference who got to take the gavel- including Jacob Bouley who was a committee chair for National Issues Forum, Gabe Podratz as an appointed justice on the Supreme Court and Megan Schellin, a committee chair for the wetlands, environment committee. Lexie Luxmore was an appointed Lobbyist who gave testimony on bills. Aside from leadership, overall successes included 5 bills passed and signed by the Youth Governor- Tori Davis, Ava Ruis, Brody Bendzick, Avery Wagner and Elliette Durant! Two of our National Issues proposals made it to the second round - hard to do, as only 7 of 28 make it out of first committee; congrats to Grace Bisek and Jack Tuma on that accomplishment. I am very proud of all 36 of our YIG delegates who argued cases, thought critically, went out of their comfort zone to public speak, mingled with the other 1,500 students from all areas of MN, engaged in debate in a mature, constructive, empathetic way and brought their best selves to make our delegation inclusive, respectful and successful!