Hattie McKinney, 2012 Youth Governor
It has been my esteemed pleasure to experience our state government firsthand through Michigan Youth in Government. Michigan Youth in Government is more than an enrichment program that teaches democracy to each generation, MYIG is a unique experience that gives each individual the power to blossom and become the greatest they can be. My tenure at MYIG began during my 9th grade year in the Mock Trial Program, where I was forced to adapt the personas of a prosecutor, victim and witness. My 10th grade year I was apart of the Blue Senate there I watched in awe as as party lines melted, ideas were birthed, and perspectives from all around the state were given voice. Since then, I haven’t looked back.
My participation in MYIG, in all its manifestations, has demonstrated to me the power of our generation, the zeal of our students, and the relevance of the work we do. The collective decision of the 2011 First Conference youth delegates to elect me 2012 Youth Governor has been a blessing, and I promise to serve you through cooperation with my cabinet and the sections of our bicameral youth legislative system - I will act as but a medium for your opinions to coalesce into legislative action. That said, I hope that my reach can extent beyond my official capacity as governor, and I can influence the overall ambiance of the conference in a positive way. I owe it to the MYIG program to work to improve a conference that has given me so much. By working together, I have no doubt that we can make this the best conference yet!
Hattie McKinney
Cranbrook Kingswood
2012 Early Conference Youth Governor