Igniting Sparks Virtually
Emily Bechtel
Over the past year, it feels like our burning hope and bright voice has been extinguished by the unprecedented times we now face. Our schools, our conferences, and our lives have drastically changed due to this unprecedented pandemic. However, a spark has arisen through so much adversity. The movement of KYA from in-person to virtual has sparked a new hope and drive in the delegates of the conference.
The new virtual KYA conference utilizes Zoom to connect all delegates from across the commonwealth into one setting. This new process allows delegates to log in to a computer and share their experience through a screen, whether it is presenting a bill to the Senate or House, debating a case in the Supreme Court, or writing for the Media Corps.
The ways individuals celebrate the conference this year vary; Some delegations are meeting at school and holding the conference together, and other delegates are meeting some of their friends and holding the conference together. Finally, some delegates are holding the conference by themselves at home, possibly with their dog.
Furthermore, the Media corps held an interview with Frankfort High School, asking them how the virtual KYA conference has gone thus far and how it has ignited a spark in them. Ethan Carpenter says, “Nothing comes close to the in-person KYA experience. I feel like this virtual conference has gone well.” There are many people like Ethan that miss the in-person KYA. However, it seems that Frankfort High School is going to try to make the best out of the virtual experience. For example, Candidate Claire Moore stated, “I think that we’ve all done a good job of being social and engaged. I myself have really tried to reach out to people and have some fun with it.” Many of us have been engaged as Claire because participation is key in order to get the most out of this virtual conference.
Whether you are joining the conference with your dog or your delegation and friends, the Media Team hopes it ignites your passion to voice yourself even through this unprecedented adversity. As Governor Darby stated in the press conference, “We all have that spark that is still ignited, otherwise we wouldn’t have three hundred or more delegates participating in this virtual conference.” We still want to voice ourselves in hope. No matter what this year brings, KYA created a spark to debate even virtually. The flame hasn’t been extinguished; it is still burning in the heart of every delegate.
