West Virginia Youth Senate President Shane Arthur and Youth Speaker of the House
Emma Ballard were honored by their respective legislative bodies at the State Capitol in
Charleston on 8 March 2023. They were elected by their peers at the 2022 Youth Leadership
Association (YLA) Youth Government session and will preside over this year’s session. Speaker
Ballard had the opportunity to serve in this capacity before the actual House of Delegates and led
the session during its “introduction of guests” phase. This recognition would not have been
possible without the contributions of Senate President Craig Blair, Senator Jack Woodrum,
Senator Vince Deeds, House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, Delegate Roy Cooper, and Delegate Todd
Longanacre.
YLA Youth Government (YG) attracts over 300 students from more than 20 high schools
across West Virginia to replicate the legislative, judicial, and executive branches for three days
in the State Capitol in April, after the actual legislative session ends. Election to statewide office
is therefore, challenging and JMHS has had great success in winning these contests for the past
decade. YG develops skills in critical thinking, written and spoken communication, and civics.
Anyone desiring to support this program financially or with expertise in government should
contact Dr. Scott Womack at swomack@k12.wv.us or via phone at 304-753-5182.
