Longstanding Youth-in-Government Program Continues to Grow in Orange County

A record 95 high school students from across Orange County participated in this year’s Youth-in-Government County Service Day, an annual program that gives students a firsthand look at local government by shadowing county officials.

Co-hosted by Orange-Ulster BOCES and the Orange County Youth Bureau, the April 10 event gave students with unique opportunity to step into roles across various departments, including the County Executive’s Office, the courts, the sheriff’s department, office of the aging, and more, plus a mock legislative session that gives students an authentic debate and decision-making experience.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus shared that Youth-in-Government County Service Day is one of his favorite days of the year. Although currently deployed as an officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve, he managed to join virtually and spent time with the two students assigned to shadow him.

During the mock legislative session, students debated a resolution urging New York’s governor to enact legislation enhancing criminal liability for parents and guardians who procure or facilitate access to firearms by minors, resulting in intentional homicide. The discussion was thoughtful and weighty, and the motion ultimately passed with two dissenting votes.

“It was really reaffirming to be part of the discussion and to be heard,” said Cornwall High School junior Stephanie Ryabov, who served as a county legislator for the day. She noted that several actual county legislators and other officials were in the audience, so even though the debate was only an exercise, the teens’ remarks were heard by people with influence. “It was nice to know our voices are respected,” she said.

Following the morning’s activities, students and officials gathered for a luncheon at The Barn at Villa Venezia, where they reflected on their experiences and celebrated their participation. The luncheon program featured the Pledge of Allegiance led by the Middletown Delegation and a performance of the National Anthem by Leila Morris from the Warwick Valley Delegation.

Rachel Wilson, Executive Director of the Orange County Youth Bureau, praised the students for their engagement and professionalism, telling them, “You really impressed us.” Wilson also noted that Orange County’s Youth-in-Government Day is the longest standing and most encompassing program of its kind in New York and that participation continues to grow. “The biggest part of it all is the students,” Wilson added.

Participating school districts included Chester Union Free, Cornwall, Florida Union Free, Goshen, Highland Falls - Fort Montgomery, Marlboro Central, the Enlarged City School of Middletown, Minisink Valley, Newburgh Enlarged City School District, Pine Bush, Valley Central, Warwick Valley and Washingtonville.