[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 77 (Thursday, May 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E568]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  COMMENDING THE JUNIOR YOUTH IN GOVERNMENT PROGRAM AT MURRAY MIDDLE 
                                 SCHOOL

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                           HON. BRIAN J. MAST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 2019

  Mr. MAST. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great program 
that is promoting civic engagement in Florida and across the country. 
The YMCA's Junior Youth In Government Program is a model legislative 
forum where students learn to write bills, as well as develop critical 
debate and leadership skills. In Florida, these bills amend existing 
laws or create new legislation to better serve Floridians.
  In Martin County, the Junior Youth In Government Program started at 
Murray Middle School, and now all middle schools in Martin County have 
successful programs. I want to especially recognize David Yankwitt. In 
addition to teaching American History and Civics at Murray Middle 
School, he works as the coordinator for the Junior Youth In Government 
Program for Martin County. His work is inspiring a new generation of 
leaders to engage with our state in a civic-minded way.
  I also want to recognize the 15 students who participated in this 
program at Murray Middle School and the 35 students who participated 
county-wide. As students continue in Junior Youth In Government, they 
can then move into Senior Youth In Government. South Fork, Martin 
County and Jensen Beach High Schools all have great student-led 
programs that could result in students receiving college credit and 
scholarships.
  Madam Speaker, I hope these programs will continue to expand and give 
even more students the opportunity to learn more about how citizens can 
participate in our government.

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