Governor for 2017 Lewis State Convention
Congratulations to Brian Tretter (St. Louis University High School) who was elected Youth Governor for the Lewis State Convention.
Our Lewis Youth Governor Daven Turner passed away unexpectedly in August, prior to the school year starting. We continue to extend our prayers to Daven’s family and friends, and we will greatly miss his leadership and passion this fall at the Lewis State Convention.
Candidates for Lewis Governor
| Candidate | Statement | Picture |
|---|---|---|
| Brian Tretter St. Louis University High School (SLUH) Campaign Video Facebook Page | [showhide type="pressrelease1" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"]My name is Brian Tretter, and I am running to be your next Missouri Youth Governor after three memorable years at Youth and Government. Last year, I ran for governor, and even though I wasn’t elected, I was able to experience the joy of meeting new people through the excitement of a real democratic campaign. This summer, I had the privilege of spending a week in Black Mountain, North Carolina with elected Youth Governor Daven Turner for the YMCA Conference on National Affairs. From our time spent together, Daven taught me what it truly means to be a man for others. He was the strongest example of a person who cared for every individual, and he never spoke negatively about anyone. A true leader like Daven didn’t get caught up in political divides; he just wanted to create change. Though a most unfortunate event, I run for governor to continue Daven’s legacy of being a leader by example. I want to continue making Missouri Youth and Government a place where everyone feels they can make a difference in our world. One of the most important things the Youth and Government program has taught me is civic responsibility. Our nation surely at times can seem very polarized, but YAG is a place where young people inspire change through civil discourse. I run for governor because I want to lead the Lewis convention towards that goal of unity. I am proud to be part of this program and all that it has accomplished. MOYAG isn’t a place to argue rich or poor, black or white, public or private school, men or women. The goal is meeting in the middle. At MOYAG, we meet in the middle because we invoke change. We are the future of Missouri. #TretterisBetter [/showhide] |  |
| Faith Zimmermann Elsberry High School | [showhide type="pressrelease2" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] Hello my name is Faith Zimmermann and I am a senior at Elsberry High School. This will be my 4th year participating in MOYAG and I have loved every second of it! Some of you may remember me from last year, I ran for Secretary of State. Although I did not win, I have gotten so much from the program and really want to be able to give back to YAG for all of the experiences. As Governor I really want to focus on that point. Giving back. This program has impacted so many people and I want to emphasize that as governor, you get out of it, what you put into it. If you want to see an impact, be the impact. " We must become the change we want to see." - Mahatma Ghandi [/showhide] |  |
| Zach Tesch Lindbergh High School | [showhide type="pressrelease3" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] For those of you who do not know me, my name is Zach Tesch. I’m a senior at Lindbergh High School. When I’m not doing homework (or preparing for YIG/YAG), I write music and play violin. I have been in the Legislative branch the last three years, and before that, I was in CLI. I have entered this special election knowing that this year’s convention is not going to be an easy one, and the governorship is going to have a totally different connotation than in previous years. The office is going to be about maintaining Daven’s legacy rather than the governor building their own. I am running for governor for this very reason: Daven was an amazing and inspiring person, and I want to help remember him by helping to finish all that he has set into motion for this convention. There are several things that I believe equip me for this position. First, I am very knowledgeable about how YAG runs. I was a Committee Chair last year, which gave me a good look at the behind-the-scenes functioning of the program. Second, I am a great listener. I know when to ask questions, and I can effectively act on the feedback I receive. Third, I like to help people. If someone has a problem, I want them to understand that I am 100% willing to assist them. Finally, I am incredibly dedicated to YAG. I will not rest (literally; I ran on a total of about 10 hours of sleep at last year’s convention) until I have done all that I can to make YAG as awesome as possible. Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns about anything YAG-related. You can email me at 18zacharytesch@lindberghschools.ws, and I will respond as quickly as possible. I’m Zach Tesch, and I’ve got your back. [/showhide] |  |
| Gabby Hernandez Visitation Academy Campaign Video @cinnamonpizza8: Follow me on social media (Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) | [showhide type="pressrelease4" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] Youth and Government fosters some of the greatest characteristics you can find in a future leader. Take public speaking for example: How many people do you know that are willing to stand in front of ten or so people with differing opinions, and talk about an issue they are passionate about? Or, defend a court case with barely twelve hours of preparation at hand? Those are powerful tools to take on the world. With three years of the program under my belt, as well as a summer at the Conference on National Affairs, I’ve discovered that my peers in this program are the future lawyers and politicians of our state, and that makes me proud. Youth and Government provides us with immeasurable skills to combat hostile political climates. We do not write each other off for having differing beliefs. We look each other in the eye and listen to what others have to say. Instead of using bias and broken corruption to win competitions, we fight to bring justice to all. Instead of claiming falsified information, we tell the truth, and nothing but the truth (maybe I watch too many crime shows). And that unity is incredible. My goals for this program include reaching out to more people in the community to get involved in the world-changing work we do at our conferences. Why not invite politicians, lawyers, judges, journalists to see what amazing work we are doing in one weekend in Jefferson City. Then, afterwards, we can have more opportunities to set up internships and shadowing events for the tremendous people in our program. Overall, I seek to demonstrate the excellence of everyone in the Youth and Government program to the outer community. I am excited to spend one last year in easily my favorite community in the country. [/showhide] |  |
| Joe Mathis Saint Louis Priory School Campaign Video | [showhide type="pressrelease5" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] My name is Joey Mathis, and I attend Saint Louis Priory School. This will be my third year in Youth and Government, where I have been a legislator and a committee chair. YAG has been an amazing experience for me, and I want to give that same experience to each and every student who attends the convention. YAG is a great place to meet others of different backgrounds, discuss issues that we are passionate about, learn procedure in courtrooms and legislature, and compete and debate in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. If I am elected governor, I will make a commitment to personally serve every one of you and help to ensure that the program is the best it can be. My email is mathisj@stlprioryschool.org. If you have any questions or concerns now or during the convention, don’t hesitate to email me. If you need another opinion on your bill or help preparing for your trial case, I am available. At the convention, if you need help finding a sponsor in the house or senate, I will do my best to help you find one. If there is something you feel would make the experience better for everyone, I will work with the advisors to try to implement it next year. I really want to make YAG an amazing experience for everyone, and I would appreciate your support. [/showhide] |  |
| Caroline Bundschuh Rockwood Summit High School Campaign Video | [showhide type="pressrelease6" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] Hello, my name is Caroline Bundschuh and I am grateful for the opportunity to run for Governor in my third and final year of Youth and Government. I came into the program as an extremely shy sophomore who was afraid to approach the microphone in the House of Representatives. After the first day, I wanted to get the most out of my time in Jefferson City and decided to make a statement of opposition. I remember how empowering the experience was, to get to have your voice heard and acknowledged. If elected as Governor, I would like to help students step out of their comfort zone in all of the program areas and realize that their opinion is important and deserves to be heard. I believe I would be a great fit for this position, as I have already had leadership experience in Youth and Government. I was a committee chair leader last year, and got the opportunity to help other students have their voice heard on the House Floor. I am working with my friend Madi Desens, our Rockwood Summit senior member of the Judicial program, to understand the inner workings of the judicial program. I believe I would be the best fit for Governor as I work well with other people, am enthusiastic about the program, and ready to make this convention the best one yet![/showhide] |  |
| Matthew White Hazelwood East High School Campaign Video | [showhide type="pressrelease7" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] My name is Matthew White from the Hazelwood East delegation. This is my fourth year with Youth and Government, and as I reflect upon my beginning with CLI…I didn’t know much about YAG or politics and was overtaken by shyness. I felt that I couldn’t stand out like other participants but, thankfully, I had a friend with unmeasurable love for Youth and Government who motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and to become engaged. That friend was Daven Turner, this year’s Governor Elect. Daven’s death was tragic and his loss is felt everyday within our school, delegation, and hearts; however, the strong legacy he established still lives on in us. He encouraged me then, and is motivating me now to step up and try to carry on his legacy as Governor. As I have grown within this program, the connections and experiences I have gained have exposed me to a brand new world of possibilities. No longer shy, I have developed and exhibited strong leadership skills within the YAG program. I served as President of the Board of Alderman for the St. Louis City YAG Convention, and am now ready to be your Governor. As Daven’s friend and teammate, I have been greatly influenced by his love and vision for the Youth and Government family. His passion for politics and willingness to go the extra mile have compelled me into action; and, although his shoes can never truly be filled, I will do my best to represent him and the Youth and Government family with his same passion and enthusiasm. It will by my duty and honor to make this another incredible Youth & Government experience for us to learn, develop, and enjoy. Thank you and vote Matthew White for your 2017 Governor. [/showhide] |  |
| Gabriel Prather Francis Howell Central High School Campaign Video | [showhide type="pressrelease8" more_text="Click here to show the Statement of Candidacy" less_text="Hide Statement" hidden="yes"] I Gabriel Prather intend to run for the office of Governor for the Louis State Convention of the YMCA Youth and Government. Youth and Government has been no small part of my life for the past 3 years. It has been vital for my growth as a leader and just my basic social skills. It afforded me the opportunity to meet others who are like minded and allowed me to see other viewpoints. I have seen just how much YAG can positively affect a person and build their character. However, I have also seen the vast disconnect between each branch of the program. While independent, each branch should not be separate. The legislators and judiciaries should know just how much effort the media participants put forth and vice versa. I propose we create a document in which everyone can access containing the Judicial docket, the Legislative calendar, Lobbyist viewpoints/stances, and Media deadlines. This will allow interested parties to know what all other branches are working on and participating in. I also propose this system be open to CLI participants to entice more into coming back in future years. [/showhide] |
Election Timeline
September 29
At noon, filing for Governor opens online. Students must meet the requirements for the office that they would have had to meet last fall when running for Governor, now modified to reflect that the candidates are in their senior year.
- Currently a senior in high school, with at least two years of experience in Youth and Government.
- Exhibits strong leadership characteristics and works well with others.
- Speaks well in public, effectively conveying ideas and information.
- Understands current issues and problems in society and in Youth and Government.
- Possesses a strong working knowledge of YAG, and the relationships among its various program areas.
- Develops a platform and effectively articulates this plan to others.
September 29 – October 5
Each day, we will update our website with the list of current candidates. Candidates may submit the following to be displayed and shared on our website:
- Picture
- Statement of Candidacy, limited to 300 words
- Link to a campaign video hosted on another site
- Links to social media pages
October 5
At noon, filing for office closes. Candidates must also have submitted all campaign materials by this date and time that they wish to have posted to our website.
October 6
At noon, voting will open. An email will be sent to all registered students with a link to a ballot unique to their email address. During the open voting period, reminder emails will be sent to students who have not yet voted.
October 11
At 3:00 p.m., voting will close. After the votes are counted, the new Governor will be announced by email and posted on social media.
