The annual County Service for the Youth in Government Program was held on Friday, April 5. Pine Bush had seven students attend this amazing and educational day, which is sponsored by Orange County, OU BOCES, and the Orange County Youth Bureau.
The members of the Youth in Government group shadowed different agencies and influential people of Orange County. The day started at 8:30 a.m. where students were introduced to their specific agency and those who would be educating them on the agency or job. Our Pine Bush students shadowed the following:
- Jacob Schuh went to the Orange County Airport (who wants to be a pilot!!)
- Gavin Vendy and Lydia Luksha shadowed Judge Richard Guertin
- Joseph Dickman and Logan Norton-Lapsley went to the Department of Public Works
- Jesse Morse and Riley Kool stayed at the Orange County Government complex to be part of the mock legislative session, where they discussed a local law prohibiting cyberbullying in Orange County.
All participating schools in the county sent seven students as well. Some of those students had won positions in the mock steering convention that took place this past November. They were able to follow the person whose position they had won and see what their job is all about.
The afternoon came to a close with a luncheon at the Wallkill Golf Course for the students and for all those that participated in the day. The students listened to speeches by the director of the program from OU BOCES and the main speaker, former NYS Senator Mike Martucci. He gave the students an encouraging speech about getting involved in the world of politics and the practice of civility. He said the future of government and policies that will be made are resting in their hands.
“Our students had a wonderful time and represented Pine Bush High School admirably,” said Charlene Webster, advisor to the Pine Bush Youth in Government club.
This event is sponsored by