This story was written by Julianna Williams, a freshman at Mansfield Senior High School.
MANSFIELD — Seven students from Mansfield Senior High School were chosen to represent Ohio at the national level during an annual mock government conference in January.
Mansfield Senior High School students traveled to the Ohio Statehouse to attend the annual YMCA State Youth and Government conference, joining more than 250 school students from schools around the state.
According to Dr. Robert Watson, the Mansfield delegation advisor, Mansfield Senior had 47 students and tied with one other school for the largest delegation.
Each student took on a role in either one of the three branches of government, as a lobbyist or as a member of the media.
At the end of the conference, Sydney Rizzo, Addison Langston and Katelyn Perry were invited to the National Judicial Competition in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Rizzo, Janiyah Davis and Danny Fuller were invited to the Committee on National Affairs, with Grahm Stentz and Colin Putt as alternates.
Sophomore Hadley Hoovler giving her candidate speech for Attorney General. Credit: Robert Wappner of the Mansfield YMCA 
Danny Fuller and Nicholas Henderson, media team, take photos at the Youth and Government conference. Credit: Robert Wappner of the Mansfield YMCA 
Freshman Julianna Williams lobbying for a bill in the House, Credit: Robert Wappner of the Mansfield YMCA 
Sophomore Alexis Cawrse doing research to speak in favor of a bill Credit: Robert Wappner of the Mansfield YMCA 
Senior Colin Putt presenting his bill. Credit: Robert Wappner of the Mansfield YMCA 
Senior Aaniyah Harris, speaking on a bill to Senate committee members. Credit: Robert Wappner of the Mansfield YMCA
Youth and Government students prepared for the confidence throughout the school year by writing bills and presenting them through the model government system.
Six of Mansfield’s student-created bills reached the Youth Governor’s desk and three were signed. One of these bills was about banning artificial dyes in animal food.
The bill, written by Sophomore Grahm Stentz, passed on the committee level and in the House chambers. When the particular bill was not signed by the Youth Governor, Stentz took the opportunity to speak with her and learn what he could do better to have a chance at getting any future bills passed.
“Youth and Government has helped me broaden my perspectives in discussions with other people,” said Stentz.
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Students lobbyists worked with actual lobbyists to argue for or against a bill. Students in the judicial branch ruled on the constitutionality of certain bills, while media students photographed, took video footage and conducted interviews throughout the event.
Several Mansfield Senior High students served as top elected officials at this year’s conference. Rizzo served as Chief Justice. Davis presided as President of the Senate.
At the end of the conference, sophomore Hadley Hoovler was elected to serve as the Attorney General for 2026.
At the closing ceremony of the conference, the Mansfield Senior High School delegation received several awards for their performance at this year’s conference.
Griffin DeBolt was awarded the ‘Outstanding Servant Leadership’ Award, Colin Putt was awarded ‘Best Bill,’ and Aspen Payne received the Best Lobbyist Award.
Watson said he is most proud of seeing the students learn about government hands-on and grow into leadership roles.
The conference is not all government discussion, though. After a long day of working in the Ohio Statehouse, students go back to the conference hotel for a series of fun games and events.
The students get a chance to network with other civic-minded students from across the state. From “Olympic Games” to doing the Cha Cha Slide, there is definitely some time to unwind.
“One of my favorite parts was beatboxing with the Supreme Court,” says Addison Langston, a senior at Mansfield Senior High School.
Each year, Youth and Government has inspired students to pursue careers in politics and be more engaged in their communities.
“I plan to major in marketing in college, but I would love to be able to use my talents to serve my community,” said Langston. “I could run a campaign, or share my Youth and Government story to inspire others.”