Sometimes when we are putting the newsletters together, we simply do not have the time or the space to put all the articles and pictures in. This is where our blog comes into play. We will be updating the blog with the articles from all the Junior and Senior KYAs and KUNAs. Sorry for the delay!
In Good Humor: A few minutes with our residing governor
By: Spencer Wells
As I sat down the front row of the Eliot exhibit hall, my first impression of our current governor was one of comical undertones, which clashed with the stern tones set by the silences in the room. As a watched Mr. Lyon, I noticed his pink and black striped bow tie, watch hinted at a humorous and laid-back personality. As the meeting came to a close, I had a chance of a brief, but interesting interview with Mr. Lyon. One of his platforms the previous year was to bestow our courageous troops an income tax break on their return home. As our conversation ended he said due to his experiences in KYA as governor has inspired him to in the future pursue a career in politics.
Debating the Proposals
By: Anonymous
By: Anonymous
Why do YOU come to KUNA? Maybe it’s to see all the wonderful costumes and booths? Maybe it’s to just get away from home for a few days. However, I know that the reason I come to KUNA is the concept of debating proposals. They actually take a well-organized system to get vetoed or passed. First, when the chair announces your proposal number, you come to the podium and give the standard introduction. Once that is all finished, the clerk reads the title of your proposal, and you have 3 minutes to divide between your opening and closing speeches. Once you are done, people who had just heard your proposal will give technical questions and pro/con debate. It is very temperamental and sometimes tedious. Does it sound easy? Well, you should know that is takes a long time of anticipation and preparation. If it’s for you, come and see how hard work can pay off in a really good proposal.
Diversity of Proposals
By: Anonymous
By: Anonymous
What do you do when you first experience KUNA? Take in the sights, set up your booth, make new friends? I personally found myself wanting to see the other booths that seemed to hide ours in the smoke of the Grand Ballroom. With such ambiance and pose, these booths were seemingly magical in the making. But behind these booths, behind these costumes, behind the culture, are proposals to make hundreds of countries grander and greater. Each bill is specifically designed for the problems of a single country. Rachel Wheller, representing Mexico, gave specific examples of her propsals. She says that the concept was considered explicit, and was changed. Nikko Beal, representing Madagascar, has worked hard on a proposal to better the education and the deforestation of Madagascar. “With our two strives, we can knock out two birds with one stone.” Calvin Andres, representing South Korea, explains his proposal as a “way to reduce pollution and better this country.” Even the Secretary General, Cameron Williams, had something to say on the topic of proposals. “I have only seen two proposals, and I already see the creativity and diversity in each of the booths.” People fail to realize that the proposals are the heart of KUNA. Now, they will see how hard each other worked to make this fun, exciting experience possible.
A Talented Few: Governor Lyon passes some of the most promising bills
By: Spencer Wells
As I strolled into a small room at the end of a hall way that leads to a kitchen, where staff make there usual rounds, Fletcher Lyon reviews bills that have been passed in there own original committee rooms. He greets me by my first name and I sit down to observe some of the bills that are going to be passed or sadly be vetoed. One of the bills (83) that came to the chamber has one that proposed that children with special needs should have the option to be a normal classroom setting of at minimum of two days a week. Mr. Lyon passed the bills on the ground of that it would increase the social skills of the special needs student, and at the same time increases the understanding of them from their pears. Mr. Lyon also passed a bill that would encourage motorcycle safety, via fines for not having helmets to accompany the cyclist. This writer hopes that your KYA bills you have supported get a solid chance of getting approved by Governor Lyon.
Atmosphere of KYA
By: Kaitlyn Arel
The basic mood set in the bill sharing and debates were productive but serious. The three meeting that were sat in on were at about the same mood all the way through the meetings. In the beginning, the sharing of the bills consisted of friendly invitations, which set a friendly mood all around. As the bill presenting and debates started, the atmosphere changed to a more solemn and serious one. The presenters made their bills very clear and set the mood to accompany their speech and bill. Debates caused suspension and tension among the delegates. Finally, the ranking of the bills among the delegates created a sense and mood of accomplishment and a lead into the next bill. The way the moods were incorporated with the various bills give an exciting and suspenseful first impression of KYA 2010.
I’m New Here!
By: Ashlynd Gogas
Are you a premiere delegate that wrote a bill? Did it pass or get defeated? Personally, I think the premiere bill authors are some of the most courageous people here. They write a bill and then present it in front of their fellow delegates, who will not only be judging their bill, but the authors as well. I know from experience. According to the authors of P12, talking to the governor, Fletcher Lyon, they were nervous about what he would think about their bill. Their bill passed with flying colors. The premiere authors this year are lucky to have Fletcher as their governor. He has a great sense of humor and an amazing personality. As I said before, the premiere people are some of the most courageous people here.
General Assembly
By: Andrea Paczkowski
What a great way to start off the 2010 KYA session with so many inspiring bills and bright people! I’ve heard a lot of awesome speeches! Enjoying yourself? If not, I have one word for you, PARTICIPATE. It really enhances the KYA experience. Some of the pros of speaking are you can win the most outstanding speaker award or the award of knowing that you are being a part of the Kentucky Youth Assembly.
A little reminder on dress code make sure you wear appropriate business attire, and dress warmly because as you can tell, it’s just a little cold outside! Here to tell you to have an amazing time at KYA!
Fletcher’s Challenge
By: Natalle Alexis McCormick
Our Governor, Fletcher Lyon, has challenged us all to do one task, make five new friends on your journey at KYA. I have interviewed many people from different delegations as well as my own. A lot of them tell me it’s easy to make new friends here, but others tell me it’s hard. Personally I think it’s a piece of cake. For me KYA is a big chance to make new friends, and meet new people who have some of the same views on life in Kentucky as I do. Bailey Ayer has a little advice for people looking to make friends, ‘Be yourself. Don’t be all business and serious. My first year I was serious and all business. I met no one I didn’t already know. ‘ I know I have accepted Fletcher’s challenge. The real question is, have you?
I Want to Write a Bill, But How?
By: Ashlynd Gogas
Did you write a bill this year? If not, you might want to next year. But how? What is the bill writing process? First, you must have an idea of what you want to write your bill about. Most people get their inspiration from the environment or the general welfare of other people. According to Tavius McNair from James T. Alton Middle, his inspiration for bill number 41 came from when he was in science class, learning about the carbon cycle. He wants to reduce our dependency on coal to reduce the carbon emissions of fossil fuels into the atmosphere. Next you must think “Is this bill affordable, original, and even applicable?” From there you must decide the purpose, consequences, who will enforce it, and when it will go into affect. If you’re thinking about writing a bill next year, this is the basic bill writing process.
East Hardin’s Ride Through KYA
By: Kaitlyn Arel
East Hardin Middle School’s bill, 89, was discussed in the House and Senate today. Their bill was to mandate 30 hours of driving with a certified instructor. The authors of this bill, Rachel Mobley, Erin Perkins, Kayla Hegstad, and Zach Epperson, put hard work and research in this. It offered benefits such as only six months of driving rather than the usual twelve and would be funded by money from the lottery tickets. Most of the pros and cons shared in the debate had to do with the number of months it took to complete the 30 hours. When it came time to vote, they were voted to move on to the Senate.
In the Senate, the authors seemed like they had more experience coming from the House. The debate though was quite different, and topics were varied. The pros though about getting their license earlier while the cons debated about already having a driver’s log. The first vote was hard to tell so a second vote was taken. In the end their bill was defeated. East Hardin put a lot of hard work and effort into their bill this year.
