Governor Candidates Share Their Platforms
By Kate Krouse
Kyle Pemberton, an enthusiastic delegate from Forsyth Country Day, is on a mission to infuse the Youth and Government conference with diversity, inclusion, entertainment, and creativity. If elected as governor, Pemberton aims to inspire people, listen to every voice, and ensure inclusivity. Specifically, he would like to include smaller delegations in conversations, making them feel as heard as every other delegation. He would also provide more pre-conference workshops and online resources in preparation for the conference. Pemberton has experience in governmental positions as he has been a part of his school government for three years and has held executive positions outside of school, teaching him collaboration, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
By Helen Wilson
John Queen, a first-year Youth and Government delegate in North Carolina but no stranger to YAG, is running to be the next NC Youth Governor. His passion for democracy and being in touch with his community was ignited when his freshman-year bill passed unanimously—only to be later vetoed due to logistical challenges. This experience reinforced his belief in the power of healthy debate to drive meaningful change. Queen is committed to fostering an environment where every delegate is engaged and making YAG a better place for many years to come. Whether raising awareness or encouraging thoughtful discussion, he believes that every participant at YAG has a goal and purpose.
By Sammey Malik
Josh Brown, a junior at NRCA, started his pitch with a captivating promotional video featuring Adele’s song “Rolling in the Deep.” He then gave delegates a tour around Raleigh, showcasing the similarities between our state’s legal system and the judicial processes within YAG. He demonstrated camaraderie by beginning his speech with a respectful acknowledgment of his fellow candidates. He hopes to unify all aspects of the conference by strengthening connections with the legislative branch and providing delegates with the necessary resources to run efficient bill presentations. The only way to achieve this, Brown asserts, is to gain sponsorships to expand YAG’s budget by traveling to Washington, D.C., and working to elevate YAG to national recognition. He closed his speech with a resolute promise, stating, “I will not stop fighting for this program. I will do all I can to bring YAG to everyone.”
