Doubling in size and doubling in preparation, the Youth in Government (YIG) team is working on becoming a more recognized delegation at the state convention.

“Schools from all over Missouri usually go to the YIG convention,” junior Abbie Schellert said. “It is split into two conventions. The one we attend has big schools like SLUH, St. Joseph, and Kirkwood.”

In the past, the larger schools have typically dominated, but first-year sponsor Jennifer Flores hopes the new YIG team can overrule those schools Nov. 10-12.  

“I want to be recognized and well prepared, and for the kids to get their bills onto the floor. I want the mock trial teams to be very successful, and the media to do some of the best videos,” Flores said.

Flores holds meetings in her room before and after school on Tuesdays so they can prepare.

“We go in so Mrs. Flores can help us create our bills and make them the best and most detailed they can be,” junior Alexandra Mayse said. “She shows us how to write a house bill and the correct format to use, which is really helpful because none of us has a clue what to do.”

Writing a bill is not easy, and can be really confusing when including all the details.

“Flores really is helpful,” junior Jess Fisher said. “Anytime me and my partner have trouble writing our bill, we know she will help us get it figured out, and make it the best it can be.”

Flores works on keeping students on track by providing weekly emails of where they should be on their work.

“I’m really excited for the trip since she has really amped up the preparation, and she’s encouraged people to be more prepared,” junior Colette Grypp said.

Flores and 50 students will be heading to Jefferson City in less than two months.

“I hope we can represent Howell in a great way and really show how great our school actually is,” Flores said.