Working to Make a Difference: Auburn School’s Kentucky Youth Assembly

By Tina Owens and Sarah Cassady

Auburn Middle School students attended the state KYA conference on November 12-14, 2015. Kentucky

Youth Assembly (KYA) is a youth government program designed to give hands-on experience in

Executive, Legislative and Judicial Branches of the government.

Students in Mrs. Tina Owens’s class research, write, and debate bills addressing the most important

issues facing Kentucky. Students then attend a 3 day conference in Louisville where they present and

debate their bills, role playing as Kentucky Senators and Representatives. Highest ranking bills get to

present their bills in the Capitol Chambers in Frankfort on Friday. Three Auburn students voiced their

thoughts about their KYA experience for this article.

“If it wasn’t for KYA I may have never found my voice; it opened a door in my life that’s full of

opportunities. Mrs. Owens took me in to the KYA family and I instantly felt welcomed. KYA is a

wonderful program that shows you how your self-worth and confidence is important. They teach you

that everyone has the potential to be the difference the world needs and to never waste that potential. I

have made a difference. At 13 years old I have passed two bills. I know that I’m not the only one who

wants to see the world change – so do it with KYA.”

–Lyndsey Gregory

“KYA is a program that helps students find their voice. They learn to stand up for what they

believe in and not fear ridicule. They learn that it is okay to be wrong and it’s okay to at first fail. But

most importantly, they learn that the only way to accomplish anything is to listen to others. After

leaving the conference, they understand that a single voice can advocate for change, but it takes a

movement to enact change. They know that together, they can make a difference.”

-Sarah Cassady

“Before KYA I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up. I didn’t think I had a voice. Once

I went to conference and saw how confident people were with their voice, I wanted to have that, so I

participated and worked. Now, I am in 8th

grade, and I have been in KYA for three years. I had my own

bill idea chosen by my peers to research and develop. I feel confident in what I say; I can make a

difference in the world. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Thank

you KYA for giving me my voice.

-Serenity Metcalfe

In addition to the amazing experiences Auburn’s KYA group had at the annual convention, they also won

several awards for their work. Sixth grader Calloway Bills, and seventh graders Landon Larson and

Preston Hurt received Outstanding Premier Bill in Auburn’s Premiere (6th

and 7th

graders) group. Their

bill was to ban hand-held electronic devices while driving.

(from left) Preston Hurt, Landon Larson, and Calloway Bills,

debating their bill on banning hand-held devices while driving.

Eighth graders Sarah Cassady, Lyndsey Gregory, and Serenity Metcalfe were ranked in the top five in the

Legislative (8th

graders) group and got to present in the Kentucky General Assembly. Their bill was to

proactively test third graders who show warning signs for dyslexia, allowing those who qualify to receive

earlier interventions and accommodations to create successful school experiences where they would

otherwise struggle.

(from right) Serenity Metcalfe, Sarah Cassady, and Lyndsey Gregory presenting at KYA convention.

Auburn’s KYA group overall received a Delegation of Excellence Award. Sarah Cassady received

Outstanding Speaker Award and Serenity Metcalfe received Outstanding Delegate Award. The group

was most excited, though, for receiving the highest Community Service Award- the Kentucky YMCA

Kentucky Youth Assembly Distinction Level Service Award.

Auburn School's KYA group, back row, l-r: Serenity Metcalfe, Sarah Cassady, Lyndsey Gregory, Sydnee Claypool, Landon Larson,

Micah Page; middle: Selynna Metcalfe, Calloway Bills, Brooke Powell, Briley Robinson, Jordan Moberly; front: Elizabeth

McGinnis, Preston Hurt, Mariah Steward, Michaela Tackett.

KYA is offered to middle school students as a fall enrichment course with Mrs. Tina Owens at Auburn

School.