Sayre Middle School Honored with the Outstanding Bill Packet Award

Sayre Middle School students had an outstanding experience at the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) Conference! Joined by students from 23 schools across the Commonwealth, 45 Sayre delegates participated in this dynamic, student-led program that empowers young people to engage in civic discourse, leadership, and advocacy.

We are proud of every student who chose this active elective and committed time and energy to preparing for the conference. Special congratulations go to Molly Mooney, who ran for and was elected President of the Commonwealth Senate for the 2026 MS 3 KYA Conference. Inspired by her first KYA experience as a sixth grader, Molly spent months preparing for her campaign, organizing a campus drive to support the New Life Day Center and delivering a powerful speech that reflected her passion for local and state issues. Her leadership, confidence, and generosity were evident throughout the conference, and her thoughtful decision to personally acknowledge fellow candidates during her final speech made a lasting impression on voters.

Sayre students also brought four original bills to the conference. Over two months, bill teams researched issues, drafted legislation, and prepared speeches and rebuttals. Bills were debated and voted on in both chambers, with two advancing to become KYA law:

• Bluegrass 22: “An Act Relating to Banning Smoking and Vaping in a Motor Vehicle with a Minor
  • Authors: Anvit Bansal, Margaret Boarman, Lane Huber, Philip Savage
  • Passed in both chambers and signed by the Governor; endorsed by the Lieutenant Governor.
• Commonwealth 26: “An Act Relating to Requiring Medical Professionals to Screen Patients’ Genetic Predispositions to Addiction Before Prescribing Opioids”
  • Authors: Isabel Hundley, Julia Maftoum, Ashley Wagner, Caroline Whitman
  • Passed in both chambers and signed by the Governor.

Two additional bills advanced in one chamber:

• Commonwealth 25 (mentoring for foster care youth) passed in the Senate.
• Commonwealth 27 (carbon monoxide detectors in living spaces) passed in the House.

Several students stepped into leadership roles. Naksh Patel and Henry Oldham served as Committee Chairs, leading debate rooms and demonstrating strong command of parliamentary procedure. Henry’s preparedness proved pivotal when he called for a “Division” vote that helped secure passage of Sayre’s Bluegrass bill.

Sayre students also participated in the inaugural Media Corps. Grayson McLaughlin, Sloan Huber, and Clark Rardin documented the conference through interviews, photography, and video production, with their work featured during the final General Assembly.

Special thanks as well to Luca Slone Grundy, who served as a doorkeeper and helped ensure smooth debate procedures.

During the final assembly, Charlotte Wright was recognized as Sayre’s Outstanding Delegate. A dedicated KYA participant since sixth grade, Charlotte consistently demonstrated preparation, collaboration, and thoughtful engagement throughout the elective and conference. Her leadership and commitment exemplified the values of KYA.

In addition, Sayre was honored with the Outstanding Bill Packet Award, recognizing the depth, research, structure, and relevance of all four bills—an honor given to only one school at the conference.

We are incredibly proud of our Middle School delegates for representing Sayre with integrity, preparation, and purpose.