HISTORY
C.A. ‘Pete’ Duran, then State YMCA Secretary in New York, is credited with being the father of the first Youth in Government program, which was held in Albany, New York in 1936. This program’s opportunity, as he saw it, was to interest youth through experience in the democratic process, particularly in the field of lawmaking.
The first Wisconsin YMCA Model Government was held in the Capitol Building in Madison in the spring of 1952 with about 200 young people involved. A high standard of personal responsibility was shown by the delegates who realized that the success of their endeavor would set a pattern and determine whether the future YMCA Model Legislatures were to be held. That standard has been maintained. Both legislators and capitol staff compliment YIG participants for their respect for the capitol building and the legislative process.
In the beginning, Wisconsin’s Youth in Government program was held every other year. Beginning in 1962, it became an annual event. In 1989, the first Wisconsin Youth Supreme Court was held in the Supreme Court Chambers of the capitol building.
Past Wisconsin Youth Governors & Executive Branch
2019-2020
Governor Carter King, Fox Cities
Lieutenant Governor Michael Usher, Eau Claire
Secretary of State Sarah Sisto, Fox Cities
2018-2019
Governor Reez Bailey, Dane County
Lieutenant Governor Will Scheffler, Fox Cities
Secretary of State Carter King, Fox Cities
2017-2018
Governor Izzy Quattrucci, Dane County
Lieutenant Governor Erik Tate, Eau Claire
Secretary of State Sahil Baherawala, Fox Cities
2016-2017
Governor Nora Ptacek, Fox Cities
Lieutenant Governor Jenna Seiler, Door County
Secretary of State Saul Roselaar, Fox Cities
2015-2016
Governor Luke Kokinos, Dane County
Lieutenant Governor Nora Ptacek, Fox Cities
Secretary of State Saul Roselaar, Fox Cities
2014-2015
Governor Acaya Link, Dane County
Lieutenant Governor Izzy Hitzman, Door County
Secretary of State Mary Barlas, Door County
2013-2014
Governor Acaya Link, Dane County
Lieutenant Governor Izzy Hitzman, Door County
Secretary of State Mary Barlas, Door County
2012-2013
Governor Will Kitchens, Door County
Lieutenant Governor Acaya Link, Dane County
Secretary of State Hannah Craig, Dane County
2011-2012
Governor Katie Cronmiller, Fox Cities
Lieutenant Governor Will Kitchens, Door County
Secretary of State Ani Djaferian, Wausau
2010-2011
Governor Maria Peeples, Fox Cities
Lieutenant Governor Jacob Kelly, Dane County
Secretary of State Kathryn Yuill, Fox Cities
2009-2010
Governor Maria Peeples, Fox Cities
Lieutenant Governor Jacob Kelly, Dane County
Secretary of State Mary Eppolite, Wausau
…more history to come!