This story was originally published on March 12, 2025

Standing at the front of the Texas Senate chamber, Paloma Buck had just minutes to prepare. The Wayside Middle School student had been chosen to present a bill written by her Creekview Middle School peer, Ciara Holenn, one of hundreds submitted at the Junior Youth and Government State Conference in Austin.

The bill, aimed at increasing penalties for sexual assault, had already passed in the House. Now, it needed Senate approval. Buck delivered a strong argument. Moments later, the vote was in and Holenn’s bill passed, becoming one of only four bills signed into law at the conference by Governor Joshua Mugisha, also a Creekview student.

This was just one of many extraordinary moments for EMS ISD students at the three-day conference, where they gathered in the capitol building and demonstrated their leadership, debate skills and passion for better government. EMS ISD students made up 50% of the Fort Worth and Arlington delegation, and they had an impact throughout the entire conference.

"EMS ISD kids always represent themselves, their school and the YMCA with respect, dignity and great passion," said AJ Rea, the Youth and Government Program Director for the YMCA of Greater Fort Worth, the organization that sponsors the program.

Historic Leadership Sweep

For the first time in seven years, a student from the Fort Worth area was elected Governor of the conference.

Mugisha, whose family emigrated from Burundi when he was a child, delivered a heartfelt campaign speech that resonated with his peers. He spoke of overcoming struggles with language barriers and of finding his voice through Youth and Government. 

He wasn’t alone. Creekview's Hudson Carpenter was elected as Lieutenant Governor and William Wiese served as one of two Speakers of the House.

“It’s about the community, the people that you meet, the hands that you shake,” Mugisha said. “I wanted to be governor to reach out to more people and expand our organization so people know what Youth and Government is about.”

Confidence, Diplomacy, and Leadership

EMS ISD’s young leaders weren’t just running for office. They were stepping into roles that required them to preside over legislative debates, chair committees, and ensure fair and productive discussions.

Carpenter, as Lieutenant Governor, oversaw Senate proceedings with professionalism and respect and selected subcommittee chairs that ensured all voices were heard during hearings.

“I wanted to pick people who had the right ideas to make those committees function well and move bills to the floor,” he said of his role in committee assignments.

Meanwhile, Wiese's decision to run for Speaker of the House was impacted by his experience in the House last year.

"I wanted to be Speaker to run the House floor and let everyone debate and share their thoughts and ideas," he said. "At my first experience, when I was a delegate, a lot of other delegates waited in line a long time to speak and didn’t get to share their opinions, and I wanted to become Speaker so everyone’s voice could be heard. 

Overcoming Obstacles, Rising to the Occasion

For Marine Creek Middle School student Ryleigh Lease, the conference was about more than just politics.

Born with hearing loss, she met another student from an Arlington school during a pre-conference event. Bonding over shared experiences, the two co-authored bills addressing challenges faced by students with hearing impairments.

They signed up to lead a committee as chair and clerk, and together the two succeeded. Their leadership and ability to manage debates earned them the Top Chair/Clerk award at the conference’s closing ceremonies.

Spreading a Culture of Excellence

EMS ISD’s success at the conference extended beyond leadership roles.

• Matthew Wainaina from Ed Willkie Middle School demonstrated true diplomacy, engaging in thoughtful debate and giving back by volunteering for food drives.

• Delaney Taylor from Prairie Vista Middle School, in her first year, tackled legislative debates like a veteran lawmaker and already has a bill ready for next year.

• First-year participant Luke Benton of Creekview volunteered to serve as a committee clerk and also won a Top Chair/Clerk award.

EMS ISD students also returned home with Distinguished Delegate and Outstanding Club Leader awards, but more importantly, with experiences that will shape them as future leaders.

“I’m just proud of the growth of our delegates in EMS ISD,” Mugisha reflected. “They are true statesmen, have passion, and stand up to argue their points successfully.”

From first-time participants to seasoned leaders, we are #EMSproud of all EMS ISD middle school students who participated in the Junior Youth and Government State Conference.

Read more about Middle School Youth and Government in EMS ISD in the Fall 2024 edition of EMS Proud magazine at www.emsisd.com/EMSProudFall2024.