Sayre Middle Schoolers Lead the Way at KYA with Top Honors and Legislative Wins

This year, 49 Sayre middle schoolers joined students from 47 schools across Kentucky to participate in the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA). This annual event fosters friendship, confidence, leadership, and civic engagement, offering students an opportunity to use their voices and feel empowered.

Among over 1,300 students at the conference, Sayre was honored with the Outstanding Delegation Award—the highest recognition given to just one school. This prestigious accolade highlights the hard work, collaboration, and spirit our students brought to KYA.

A standout moment from the conference came with Leif Bailey’s election as Lieutenant Governor of KYA. Running on the campaign slogan "Vote Bailey for a Better Daily," Leif impressed the assembly with a speech about bravery and his vision for improving Kentucky. After earning a spot as one of the top six candidates, he delivered a final speech before the full assembly of 1,300+ students. He was successfully elected to this prominent leadership role.

Legislative Success at KYA

The conference also highlighted the efforts of our bill teams, who brainstormed ideas to improve Kentucky, conducted research, drafted legislation, and prepared persuasive arguments. Students from other schools debated and voted on these bills, requiring a majority vote in both the House and Senate for passage. Of our five bills, three were signed into KYA law by the Lieutenant Governor and Governor, demonstrating the creativity and dedication of our students.

Bills Passed and Signed into Law:

• Commonwealth 41: "An Act Relating to Requiring Licenses to Breed and Sell Mammals in Kentucky"
  Authors: Mason Foley, Cater Yates, Sam Lorton, and Luca Slone Grundy
• Commonwealth 40: "An Act Relating to Mandatory Heart Disease Screenings"
  Authors: Chloe Florence, Ashley Wagner, Caroline Whitman, and Charlotte Wright
• Bluegrass 36: "An Act Relating to Decriminalizing Homelessness in Kentucky"
  Authors: Graham Duncan, Emily Mazzoni, Taylor Wagner, and Molly Mooney

Two additional bills came exceptionally close to passing, requiring standing votes and recounts due to their popularity and the thoughtful debate they inspired:

• Commonwealth 39: "An Act Relating to Limiting Homeowners Association (HOA) Regulations Regarding Lawns"
• Bluegrass 37: "An Act Relating to Universal Preschool for Children under the Age of Five"

Student Leadership and Recognition

KYA conferences are student-led, with committees managed by peers. Grayson McLaughlin and Henry Oldham served as Committee Chair and Clerk, leading their debate rooms excellently. Grayson’s skills were further recognized when he was selected as a clerk for the second day of debate.

During the final assembly, advisors and Y Staff selected students for special recognition based on their leadership, thoughtful contributions, and embodiment of Y values:

• Carter Yates: Outstanding Delegate Award
• Caroline Whitman and Charlotte Wright: Outstanding Speaker Awards

Sayre students made their mark in every aspect of the conference, from presenting bills to leading debates and earning accolades. Congratulations to all our participants for representing Sayre with excellence, leadership, and dedication!