'Best Feeling Ever': LI Teen Elected New York State Student Governor

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Brentwood High School student has been elected New York State Student Governor through the YMCA Youth and Government program.

Olivia Harris-Stevenson was elected to the position out of nearly 800 student participants earning a spot to represent New York at the National Youth Governors Conference this June, the school announced in a statement.

"When I heard my name called, it was just the best feeling ever," Harris-Stevenson said. "I felt like I’d made it. It was such a rewarding experience, and I’m thrilled to represent my home state in Washington, D.C. this summer."

The YMCA Youth and Government program offers students an immersive experience in state government. Participants draft, debate and vote on bills, enhancing their public speaking, critical thinking and collaboration skills.

The program also includes a judicial component, in which students simulate appellate court proceedings, and a press corps, which highlights the role of media in governance. The hands-on experience fosters leadership and a deeper understanding of democratic processes – up to and including its student elections.

Attendance at the conference, scheduled for June 8 to 12, is by invitation only based on each state’s student-gubernatorial election results. In Washington, D.C., Harris-Stevenson will attend leadership development workshops, network with other student governors-elect and meet with policymakers to discuss statewide initiatives.

"I am beyond proud of our remarkable students," said Superintendent Wanda Ortiz- Rivera. "I have absolutely no doubt that Olivia will be running for president in the near future – with her fellow YMCA Youth and Government student advocates from Brentwood filling her entire cabinet."