Story by Bridget Feyo, Rogers; Edited by Lale Akkin, Mounds View; Image by Nicholas Anderson, Irondale
Anxiety rises with the first marking of the 2024 conference in the Sanford House chamber. Delegates flood through the doors and fill the gallery with eager ears, ready to begin the lively assembly. A standing ovation meets them upon entering the chamber as everyone files in to hear the opening ceremony session. All sounds die throughout the chamber in a silent prayer followed by the pledge of allegiance. Representative positions are escorted in, followed by figures of importance such as the Youth Governor, Brady Sternberg, and a member of the Minnesota State Supreme Court, Justice Barry Anderson. Justice Anderson is to swear in all members of the Supreme Court and Legislature, including all members of Sanford House. Sanford officers also swear in individually as well as the Youth Governor.
Unfortunately, due to mandatory retirement, this is Justice Anderson’s last year assisting in Youth in Government. At the end of his speech, the crowd welcomes him with loud applause and cheers, as well as another standing ovation. Lastly, he is presented with a parting gift as he exits the stand. The ceremony then pauses briefly for the arrival of the state of Minnesota’s very own Lieutenant Governor, Peggy Flanagan. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court gives a basic breakdown of the Y core values and Code of Conduct. Flanagan is escorted in shortly after.
Flanagan opens her speech in her native tongue and enlightens delegates on her native heritage. She then talks about what an incredible opportunity it is to have positions in YIG and get the chance to shape the world around them. Legislators can now “more accurately reflect the communities they seek to represent than ever before,” says Flanagan. She pushes delegates to grow instead of shrink into their surrounding environment. Don’t make yourself small, she says. Take up space, you deserve it! Youth in Government allows students to plan their future in a much more collective manner and take advantage of the opportunity to discover what they can do. A lasting applause graces her as the Youth Governor takes his place in front of the delegates.
Finally, the Youth Governor, Brady Sternberg shares his speech for the opening commencement. His speech centers around a loon, connecting its habits and personality to that of a person, or more specifically, members of YIG. Being able to dive into unknown waters and come out flying. By welcoming others around them into their flock and taking pride in their beauty and character. Even so, loons have a goofy, useless habit of wagging a leg around in the air, so delegates can have a serious conference while still retaining a lighthearted, relaxed environment and a strong passion.
Closing the ceremony, the chair of Sanford speaks with some baseline information for the conference, and each delegate can feel the strong passion and excitement in the air. YIG has begun, and no one can wait for what happens next.