Fifty-one Westhampton Beach High School freshmen in the school’s Youth and Government course presented impressive bills and brought home two 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 second year that the high school has participated in the conference.

The award recipients were Molly Luzim, who won an Outstanding Delegate award, and Teddy Isaacson, who earned an Outstanding Debater award.

The 51 students prepared six original bills to present at the conference, with issues including lowering insulin costs, requiring CPR instruction for high school graduation, restricting harmful pesticides near schools, increasing campaign finance transparency, expanding organ donor registration through health insurance enrollment and providing paid family leave following pregnancy loss. Notably, all six bills passed through the legislative process, with the Pregnancy Loss Paid Leave bill earning a unanimous vote. Following passage, the bills were formally signed by the Youth Governor, completing the full legislative simulation experience.

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: 4/1/2026