Harvey Feature: Get to Know the Elected Position Candidates

By: Bella Bauman

Do you love Youth In Government Model Government but crave something more? Then you should definitely consider running for an elected position! Here we highlight the delegates who are running for Harvey Speaker, where they share their platform, what they hope to achieve, and some facts about why you should vote for them. Hopefully this article gives you a bit of background information to get to know these brave delegates. 

First up: Anusha Achanti of the Fox Cities delegation. Delegate Achanti has been participating in Youth In Government for four years, all of those spent honing her craft in bill writing and debating in Nelson Assembly. Her platform aims to give Harvey delegates the best experience possible at Model Government, with the hope that she can help every single Harvey delegate have the opportunity to develop necessary skills that the delegate will use later in life. Some of these skills include: public speaking, critical thinking, confidence, and so much more. Delegate Achanti’s biggest hope is to promote Harvey delegates to the rest of the Legislative branch; She is a firm believer that Harvey delegates are just as capable of greatness as every single other branch. Now here are some facts about Delegate Achanti that promote why she would be a great Harvey Speaker: she has participated in Legislative for four years, which means she knows the procedures of Harvey like the back of her hand. She has also been participating in forensics for five years, showcasing her proficiency at public speaking. Finally, her experience as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) showcases her responsibility and caring for all.  

Next up: Riaan Abbi of the Fox Cities Delegation. Delegate Abbi is a second year Youth In Government participant. His platform aims to focus on Harvey as a collective community, “I don’t want to talk about myself, because this position is all about Harvey,” states Abbi, highlighting his commitment to create long lasting memories for everyone as a whole assembly. Delegate Abbi’s aim in running is to ensure every single delegate’s voice is heard, no matter who they are or where they come from. Delegate Abbi plans to ensure that everyone’s opinions are respected and acknowledged. He believes that his experience as Harvey’s Legislative clerk lends itself well to being next year’s Harvey Speaker. Now, time for some facts about Delegate Abbi: he plays many sports and instruments as well as running a non-profit tutoring company. He is clearly a very well rounded individual with a desire for change. 

On to: Roxy Draz of the Door County Delegation. Delegate Draz is a second year delegate of the Nelson Assembly, with a platform focused on ensuring that all Harvey delegates have the opportunities and skills necessary for Youth In Government Model Government. She understands many of these Harvey delegates are newer to Youth In Government, and wants everyone to be confident in procedure. Delegate Draz will also personally ensure anyone who is shy or nervous has the opportunity and ability to speak in front of people, and become more comfortable with debating. The skills that Delegate Draz will teach you will serve you well in the long run, and make you even more confident for your next years at Model Government. Now for some facts about Draz: she is a freshman at Southern Door high school, with a passion for dance, golf, the color pink, and of course, Youth In Government. Delegate Draz has a desire for helping those who are especially shy and nervous about participating. 

Time for: Langston Jacques of the Green Bay Delegation. Delegate Jacques is a second year delegate for Youth In Government. His platform is based upon making sure everyone’s voices are heard, with as many bills being presented as possible. If you have heard anything about previous years, it is that many delegates are nervous to debate or present their bills. Delegate Jacque hopes that as Harvey speaker, he can encourage amazing debate, high quality thinking, and ensure everyone knows how both Mode government and real government functions. Delegate Jacques is full of charisma, with no one being more passionate about government than him. Fun Fact! His father is his inspiration, and with him being a former Wisconsin state representative and a current state senator, a delegate could not ask for a better role model.  Delegate Jacques has projected, “I aspire to help as many people as my dad has,” showcasing his genuine desire and capability for the position of Harvey Speaker. With his infectious enthusiasm, he hopes he can inspire his fellow delegates to have the best possible time at Model Government. 

Last but certainly not least: Jaylee Ziemer of the Reedsville Delegation. Her platform is based on making sure that everyone has the opportunity and bravery to be heard, “Everyone’s voice is power,” summing up her hopes for Harvey Speaker. Along with that, Delegate Ziemer wants to teach everyone how to strengthen the skills they have and develop new ones that will serve them well for the rest of their Youth In Government experience. Some fun facts about Delegate Zeimer: she is in her fourth year in Youth In Government, and this year she serves as Secretary of State Elora Wilson’s Secretary of State staff. She is comfortable and familiar with leadership positions. Delegate Ziemer is also planning on attending Bellin college for nursing, even going as far to be a CNA for six months, showcasing her public speaking and social caring abilities (as well as the YMCA core values of respect and caring). 

All of these amazing candidates, Anusha Achanti, Riaan Abbi, Roxy Draz, Langston Jacques, and Jaylee Ziemer, should be given a huge round of applause. They are all incredibly brave to go out there and campaign for positions in Youth In Government. On behalf of Media, we hope this article gives you more background information to make an educated decision on who the next Harvey Speaker should be.