Press Conference Recap

By Max Mason

On Monday, December 7, 2020, the media corps had the privilege of attending a press conference with the governor of HS KYA 4, Jacob Grant. During the conference, Governor Grant was asked by the Editor-in-Chief Bella Cowen a multitude of questions regarding his position as governor, and how he feels the Y has changed his life. One of Jacob’s platforms as governor is race relations in the commonwealth. He believes change is necessary for everyone to be more equal in the commonwealth. He also believes strongly that human trafficking needs to stop, due to the new outlets traffickers can obtain victims. Jacob has been a part of the YMCA since 6th grade, making this his seventh year attending Y Conferences. He was inspired by his sister, who attended Y Conferences as well, but didn’t find the passion and drive behind it until freshman year of high school. He enjoys the Y not because of the debates, but because of the advocacy, the Y gives you. When asked about his favorite Y memory, Jacon gave quite a few answers. He sincerely enjoyed his candidacy and the candidate process, saying it was a competition, but all candidates treated it like a familiarity. At GFI, he was witnessed falling down a 90ft hill, and at Y-Corps, he was in charge of the PB&J’s as he was being thrown around a bus on the backroads of eastern Kentucky. During his Y experience, Jacob has been in a multitude of different positions. He’s been in security council, chief of staff, and other delegate/sponsor roles that he has taken very seriously. However, his favorite position has been as governor. Jacob gave many pieces of advice, one of which was “don’t be unwilling to be you”. His advice was that at Y Conferences, be yourself. Speak up, vote, debate, devote yourself entirely to the experience, and it will pay off in the end.

During the press conference, Jacob also advised his future PO’s and candidates as well. He stated to not treat it like a job, your role is to lead KYA for everyone else, not yourself. Be that person people can go to, to talk about their KYA experience with, and use this opportunity to grow and help others grow along with you. For the candidates, speak about the smaller things, the more minute aspects of law. Instead of talking about a whole topic, discuss how you want change with certain aspects of ideas. From the Y, Jacob has learned to become more open-minded and accepting of others, as well as having more respect for politicians and legislative lawmakers. Overall, Jacob is excited to lead KYA as governor and wants the best experience for all. He’s excited to have the ability to change, the ability to be here, the ability to serve his team, and everyone here at HS KYA 4. BTW, his favorite Y song is “Little Red Wagon”.