HHCA's first-ever SC Youth In Government (YIG) Delegation earned outstanding accolades at the 2022 SC Youth In Government (YIG) conference held by YMCA of Greenville.

Over 1200 South Carolina high school students - representing 30 schools - attended the 35th annual conference in Columbia, served in model governments and competed in mock legislation for over 500 bills. 

The HHCA Delegation was led by new Mentor and YIG Advisor, Mr. Sam Hammer.  After joining HHCA in August, Mr. Hammer quickly assembled a team of 18 legislative delegates and four lobbyists. The delegates met throughout the semester to practice and determine delegation roles while organizing the bill writing process.

Upon arrival at the State House grounds in Columbia, the HHCA Delegation was ready to implement a comprehensive lobbying strategy, legislative voting strategy, and networking sphere of influence. The students worked incredibly hard to represent, vote, and caucus with other delegations, making a statement that placed HHCA among the top Delegations to compete.

During the conference, HHCA students had the opportunity to meet with HHCA Alumni Reedy Newton (Class of 2019) who is the current Student Body President of University of South Carolina. Reedy talked with the HHCA Delegation about her involvement in YIG, along with Girls/Boys State, and how they played a role in her success. Reedy also gave HHCA a private tour of USC's Student Government Association.

Congratulations to our student delegates for representing HHCA with excellence!

Below are several conference highlights:  

SC YIG Male Lobbyist of the Year: Jack Mau

• Jack become known by delegates and other lobbyists as "The Lobbyist" or  "The Academic Weapon". Jack lobbied for 30 bills, lobbied against 20 bills

First HHCA Delegates to Get a Bill Signed by Youth Governor

• Chris Ngyuen and Nicolas Panzarella. Their bill: PH68--An Act to enforce the SC DOT recommendation on yellow light duration

SC YIG Outstanding Bill Authorship and Governors Approval Award

• Eliza Rose Newton and Dawson Taylor. Their bill: PH101--The Emanual Nine Criminal Penalty Enhancement Act

SC YIG 35th Annual Top 5 Delegation with Outstanding Accomplishments Award

• HHCA Delegation for versatile lobbying and voting strategy
   

The HHCA Delegation had four bills signed in total:

• PH 68--Nic Panzarella + Chris Nguyen  (First Bill Signed in HHCA YIG History)
• PH 98--Sarah Dury + Caroline Thomas 
• PH101--Eliza Rose Newton + Dawson Taylor (Outstanding Bill Authorship and Governors Approval Award)
• PS46--Camille Sposatoo + Abby Spitler

In addition to the bills that were signed by the Governor, three other bills reached the desk, one of which was vetoed, and another bill was declined in Chamber.

"YIG was truly an eye-opening and life-changing experience. I went in with little knowledge of what to expect, and I came out being very successful. I am so glad I went to YIG. I hope everyone gets a chance to experience YIG at least once in high school. I am excited to see where all of the connections I made continue follow me throughout college! Not only did I meet many potential college roommates, but I made tons of friends. YIG was amazing and so much fun!" - Eliza Rose Newton (Sr.)

Thoughts from other delegates:

"I want to encourage anyone interested in government to start with YIG." - Jack Mau (Jr.)

"YIG showed me the importance of articulation." - Nick Panzerella (10th)

"I did not know that I really DO enjoy public speaking!" - Chris Nugyen (10th)

"This experience was amazing, and the students came away understanding that democracy is not a spectator sport. They have been invited into an elite, nationally recognized program that will open doors for them in many ways. My hope is that through this experience they grasp the significance of their own citizenship." - Mr. Sam Hammer, HHCA Mentor and YIG Advisor