The Future Is Bright

Every year, PBS 8th Graders spend a day at the Louisiana State Capitol to participate in the National Youth Legislature.

Youth Legislature is a two-day mock legislative session held at the Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Each year more than 1,800 middle school students throughout Louisiana come together to learn the legislative process through hands on experience. Students participate in the process and procedures of Louisiana state government. Students run for and elect a Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President. Throughout Youth Legislature, students have the opportunity to participate in the entire legislative process. Students write, sponsor and debate bills. They lead and serve on legislative committees and speak publicly before an audience. The Press gathers and reports information about Bills, Legislators, Senators and the Governors cabinet while photojournalist document the proceedings through photography and videography and post on social media.

This program allows students to learn the legislative process firsthand and is such a valuable learning experience. This year’s class excelled tremendously in their roles as Officers, Bill Sponsors, Co-Sponsors, Senators and Representatives.

The following students were elected:

Bella Jay Bickley – Governor

Blane Burell – Speaker of the House

Skylar Zettlemoyer – Speaker of the House Pro Tem

Annsley Neel – President of the Senate

Cille Pourciau – President of the Senate Pro Tem

Grayson Rogers – Governor’s Cabinet

Hannah Caire – Governor’s Cabinet

Emma Tidwell – Governor’s Cabinet

The following 16 students were voted into The Hall of Fame by all of the teachers in attendance as well as National Youth Legislature staff for their exceptional work and engagement. They remained focused on their jobs, asked questions and spoke for and against bills that were presented on the floor of the House and Senate.

Cooper Albright

Ty Hensley

Audrey Hutchinson

Ryan Ogundele

Grayson Rogers

Gabriella Bautista

Elizabeth Elbourne

Landry Harrell

Bailey Sabrio

Kinsley Stewart

Hannah Caire

Abby Holifield

Judah Peoples

Sully Edmonds

Ava Matessino

Bella Jay Bickley

In addition, 2 of the Hall of Famers were given The Rising Star Award for exceptional work:
Audrey Hutchinson and Judah Peoples.

We also had 11 Bills that were signed into law by the Governor (Bella Jay Bickley) and Cabinet.

Senate Bills:  
Bill Sponsor Rileigh Shehadeh & Co-Sponsor Laidyn Wilson – Qualification For Pet Ownership
Bill Sponsor Carson Grantham & Co-Sponsor Carter Steele – Time Worked on Holidays
Bill Sponsor Berkli Bencaz & Co-Sponsor Jenna Comeaux – Drunk Driving Fines
Bill Sponsor Cruz Maddie & Co-Sponsor Gianni Pastore – Life Jacket Requirements
Bill Sponsor Gabriella Bautista & Co-Sponsor Miley Gill – First Conviction Abuse Charges
Bill Sponsor Mason Harris & Co-Sponsor King Dorsey – Texting While Driving Fines
Bill Sponsor Ava Matessino – Suicide Prevention Program

House Bills:  
Bill Sponsor Sully Edmonds – Education Savings Account
Bill Sponsor Brailyn Cameron & Co-Sponsor Maddie Bryant – Child Abuse and Neglect
Bill Sponsor Paxton Carmouche & Co-Sponsor Ty Hensley – Seniors Retake Drivers Test
Bill Sponsor Carter Oufnac & Co-Sponsor Jake Kendrick – Raising Deer Tagging Penalties