Heathwood Hall Achieves Record Participation and Legislative Success at YIG Conference
A record-breaking 130 Heathwood Hall Upper School students participated in the YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) and Model Legislature Conference at the South Carolina State House from November 6–9, 2024. Now in its 35th year, this conference is the third largest of its kind in the United States, drawing over 1,800 students from across South Carolina.
The YIG program was created to promote civic engagement and stewardship. Its service-learning model allows students to explore local, state, and national governmental systems through roles in the legislature, mock trials, and the youth election process. Several Heathwood students were appointed to leadership positions, such as presiders, committee chairs, and justices, through a rigorous application process.
“YIG offers Heathwood students a unique experiential learning opportunity that not only educates them on governmental processes but also emphasizes the value of civic engagement. While it’s exciting when students earn awards at the conference, the most meaningful aspect is their development of skills to engage in civic discourse with their peers from across the state,” said Julie Firetag, Upper School Government Teacher.
This year, Heathwood Hall had twelve legislative bills signed into law, listed below. These bills, researched and defended by students, are aimed at influencing positive change in South Carolina. Additionally, twelve students were recognized for their professionalism, integrity, and exemplary behavior at the conference. Congratulations to all of our Highlanders!
Legislation Signed into Law:
H22 Catherine Jowers and Charlotte Greer: "A Bill to Ban of Corporal Punishment for Disciplinary Purposes in South Carolina Public Schools"
PH62 Zahra Garrick and Lila Koon: "The Female Domestic Abuse Survivor Support Act"
H25 Henry Morris and Thomas Scurry: "An Act to Strengthen the Gun Registration Process by Implementing a Licensing System"
PS39 Jillian Hampton and Mills Babcock: "An Act to Mandate Prescription of Gabapentin Instead of Opioids after Surgery"
H26 Annie Liu, Chloe Chen, and Hannah Moftakhar: "An Act to Ban Forced Arbitration"
PH51 Mattie Floyd and Sullivan Wright: "A Bill to Require the Use of Helmets When Riding on Motorcycles"
PH54 Ava Stone and Annabelle Brock: "An Act to Eliminate the Euthanization of Animals in Shelters"
H24 Hill Belser and Liam Edwards: "Able Drivers Act"
PH66 Andrew Hodges and Henry King: "Removal of Flavored Nitrous Oxide Across South Carolina"
H64 Kaitlyn McFarland and Olivia Nelson: "An Act to Limit Gentrification in Neighborhoods and Small Businesses"
H63 Deuce Ivery and Townsley Rivers: "An Act to Remediate the Expansion and Upkeep of South Carolina’s Roadways"
H62 Nicholson Deese and Walt Suber: "An Act to Implement Tax Cuts for Teachers in South Carolina"
Outstanding Statesman
Delegates are considered for awards based on the following criteria:
-Cooperative & Respectful in his/her approach to legislation and peers
-Use of proper parliamentary procedure
-Positive Attitude
-Excellent Communication
-Leadership by example with regard to conference rules and regulations
-Behavior in keeping with the YMCA core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect & Responsibility
Mac King - Premier House
Outstanding Bills
Awarded Based on the Following Factors:
-Debate Potential
-Feasibility
-Statewide Impact
-Correct Written Format
-In keeping with the YMCA core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect & Responsibility
H26 - Annie Liu, Chloe Chen, and Hannah Moftakhar: "An Act to Ban Forced Arbitration"
S23 - Jack Hinchey and Cal Peterson: "An Act for Open Door Prisons"
PS41 - Cullum Ashley and Ellie Griggs: "An Act to Require the Administration of Epinephrine by Schools in SC"
PH61 - James Stone and Mac King: "An Act to Limit Suburban Sprawl in the State of SC"
Judicial Recognition:
Logan Wells and Henri Richards - Outstanding Appeals Team
Upper School students interested in participating in future Youth in Government activities should visit the Club Fair or reach out to their assigned Advisor for more information.