Hedgesville — Ella Waters, a senior at Hedgesville High School, represented Berkeley County at the West Virginia Government Youth event held in Charleston from April 25-27.
Last year, Waters was elected youth governor, giving him the opportunity to experience state politics first-hand.
The West Virginia Government Youth Program offers students across the state the opportunity to learn more about politics. Throughout the three-day simulation, students serve in several different elected positions.
Waters served as a youth governor, giving her the power to sign bills written by other high school students.
“My favorite part was probably seeing all the different ideas that people came up with and the potential that young people in West Virginia have,” Waters said. “Everyone is incredibly passionate about something. It was a real honor to be a part of it.”
Some of the bills include setting age limits for political positions and allowing people to whistle underwater, which Waters said is currently illegal in West Virginia. Ta. The students were very creative and shared their passion for politics through this event.
Waters plans to continue her education at George Mason University and hopes to return to West Virginia to serve others. Her time in the Senate sparked her interest in politics, and she aspired to become a senator in the future.
“I became interested in politics because it has the power to change the things you care about,” Waters said. “I really fell in love with West Virginia. Her mother likes to call me a 'West Virginia lover.' It was something I was really passionate about and it was great to be able to change my future. ”
Waters hopes to encourage other children her age to join government youth programs. This year, Hedgesville High School was the only school in Berkeley County in attendance. He had nine students participate in the event, but Waters expects more students to participate in the future.
“Politics is very polarized right now for a lot of people my age,” Waters said. “Not a lot of young people are interested in this. I want to show them that it's not just one side of the aisle. It's about making people's lives better.”
Mr. Waters would like to thank Hedgesville High School Principal Ronald Lyons for taking the time to provide transportation for the students to the event, and for providing guidance and support as Mr. Waters took on the position of Youth Governor. Saira Blair thanked Delegate Paul Espinosa for providing Waters with his office during the event. .
