Meet and Greet Recap
By Haley Griebel
During this year’s 2020 KYA adventure, things looked a little different. The Zoom platform is being used so our voices can still be heard throughout this conference. To introduce this year’s Bluegrass and Commonwealth Presiding Officer Candidates, a meet and greet was hosted. This was held in the pre-conference (the night before) to inquire candidates about their campaign. Topics varied from their platforms and visions for next year’s KYA to favorite KYA memory and things to take to a deserted island.
Character and personality questions helped the candidates warm up to being able to respond comfortably. To the question of favorite KYA memory, CW Candidate Clint Chambliss (Elizabethtown) told of his first year of GFI in 7th grade when he received the nickname Minecraft because he was “small and nerdy.” He even enjoys that nickname to this day. Another CW Candidate, Jalen Wellman (Oldham), recalled when the power rangers joined in the silent disco party. When asked what 3 things they would bring with them to a deserted island, CW Candidate Kennedi Fishback (Frederick Douglass) said she would bring a blanket, phone, and snacks, specifically peppermint Hershey kisses, and CW Candidate Stephanie Casson (Holy Cross) said art supplies, books, and another person were necessary. CW Candidate Kyi’ree Spencer (Butler Traditional) used imagination and listed a genie, duct tape, and a boat.
When candidates were asked their visions of next year, each included in their response an in-person conference. In-person is ideal for a mock government such as this. Kentucky Youth Assembly partakes in a model legislative government which is to advocate for youth in government as well as making our young voices heard. This has been a challenge virtually, but that doesn’t mean we don’t try. This KYA is all about making the best out of our circumstances and working even harder and better to make the conference effective and productive.
The candidates were asked to touch on the personal reflection of their platforms and tell more about their relationship with one of them. With that said, some of the candidates were vulnerable and secure with their responses. CW Candidate Stephanie Casson (Holy Cross) talked about her platform of mental health. She described providing free mental health services in schools as well as access to insurance as well. Her best friend did not have these resources and finally received prescribed medicine 6 days after she passed. Another willing CW candidate to tell their story is Cal Wagers (North Laurel). Cal addressed her advocacy for addiction recovery because her family has been experiencing the effects of the addiction of her parents. Her parents are now 2 years clean, but before she could not live with them or her siblings. She states there are no adequate resources and treatment was not as effective as it should have been. Because of her story and her overcomings, she would like to see more accessible and affordable rehabilitation centers. CW Candidate Kate Wetherton (South Oldham) describes her work with charity Live Out Loud. She has been with this charity since 7th grade when she was informed of one of her friends’ attempts. A candidate who is taking a different approach with their platforms, Oni Terrado (Craft Academy), has made her platforms open for interpretation: be resilient, be vocal, be you. She wants to encourage personal experience, vocality, and individuality. Terrado explains, “I want them to apply to everyone. I want people to take this advice with them wherever they go.”
Thoughts and responses were recorded from delegates and candidates after the meet and greet ended. CW Candidate Jalen Wellman (Oldham) comments, “It was nice to see the other candidates and hear about their platforms and what those meant to them. It was also just a super fun experience answering questions and getting to talk about what’s coming up.” From our only Bluegrass Candidate this year, Cross Dutton (South Oldham), his thoughts read, “The meet and greet was definitely different and something new to me. Overall, I think it went well, and I really thought it was a great way to uncover the candidates’ personalities.” To reflect on the meet and greet, CW Candidate Josh Groves (Heritage Christian Academy) says, “I think that it went great! It was such a great way to get to know the other candidates.” This candidate networking meet may just set a precedent for KYA’s to come. Because of the virtual scene, this was a way to announce and spread the word of running Presiding Officers and their campaigns. CW Cal Wagers (North Laurel) hopes for a future meet and greet at the next KYA: “It was an amazing opportunity, and I think it should be something that is implemented at all future KYAs!”
Responses from non-candidates were recorded as well to know the effectiveness of the meet and greet. One user on social media sent, “I liked how the candidates got vulnerable and shared their truest passions with us!!” Another user emphasized, “We have so many great candidates!!” And, indeed we do. Despite the restrictions of COVID-19 and our hindrance of in-person debate, we will stop at nothing to have our voices heard, our votes pledged, our bills passed, and our offices elected. We send much appreciation to the staff and organizations that made this virtual KYA possible! Good luck to all candidates!
