Westhampton Beach High School freshman Youth and Government students presented impressive bills and brought home three awards from the New York State YMCA Youth and Government Conference, which brings together young leaders from across the region to simulate the legislative process and engage in civic discourse. This is the first year that the high school has participated in the conference.

Earning awards were freshmen Ari Schneider, who was nominated to attend the Conference on National Affairs,  Hailey Heptig, who won the Outstanding Delegate award and Casey Farrell, who was nominated for the YMCA Conference on National Affairs.

In addition, 31 Westhampton Beach High School freshmen prepared four original bills to present at the conference about check-ins for children of child custody cases, bone marrow biopsy treatments for children with leukemia, introducing safety escape ladders to second-story school buildings, and implementing a New York State volunteer program for recent high school graduates.  

The high school’s new Youth and Government elective course aims to engage students in national government and politics and provide them with an opportunity to elevate their voices. The course was inaugurated following interest by students who participated in the middle school’s Youth and Government class.

Date Added: 4/1/2025