Four young women from Brentwood’s YMCA Youth and Government program earned top honors at a weekend high school assembly in Albany in late March. One student was elected governor for the 2025-26 New York State Youth and Government Program, another was selected for the prestigious Conference on National Affairs in North Carolina and two were recognized as outstanding delegates out of more than 800 participants.

“It was by far one of the best trips I’ve ever been on,” said Olivia Harris-Stevenson, a Brentwood High School student who was elected to represent New York State at the Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C., this June. Harris-Stevenson is the 90th Youth Governor elected to represent New York.

The trip to Albany offers students an immersive experience in state government. Participants draft, debate and vote on bills, enhancing their public speaking, critical thinking and collaboration skills. The program also includes a judicial component, in which students simulate appellate court proceedings, and a press corps, which highlights the role of media in governance. The hands-on experience fosters leadership and a deeper understanding of democratic processes.

At the close of the program, elections are held for students who will advance to national levels of competition. Harris-Stevenson, the final candidate to speak before voting, said she was extremely nervous, having never addressed nearly 900 people before – until something unexpected happened.

“Someone sneezed,” she said with a laugh. “I said, ‘Bless you,’ and they said, ‘Thank you.’ It was comic relief.”

Less than 24 hours later, Harris-Stevenson was elected governor.

“When I heard my name called, it was just the best feeling ever,” she said. “I felt like I’d made it. It was such a rewarding experience.”

Brentwood High School student Nathalie West was one of the two outstanding delegates from Brentwood.

“In U.S. history you learn about the three branches of government,” West said. “But experiencing it firsthand is completely different. It gives you a better understanding of how the branches work together.”

Mia Blanco-Barahona, of the Freshman Campus, was also recognized as an outstanding delegate. Fellow freshman Maira Siddiqi was one of 27 students selected nationwide to attend CONA this summer. The students described the event as a supportive but rigorous weekend that served as the culmination of legislation they had worked on since the fall.

“We’re like one family, basically,” said Blanco-Barahona, who wants to become an immigration attorney. “We support each other, we help each other and we’re always there for each other.” Blanco-Barahona and Siddiqi collaborated on legislation to increase mandatory minimum sentences for sex offenders. The two often video chatted to discuss data and refine their arguments.

“You see them up there, arguing passionately for what they believe in,” said Marilyn Castillo, a Brentwood High School social studies teacher and trip chaperone. “It’s wonderful to see, and it does give you hope for our future. There’s no other club like it.”

Nicholas Scott, assistant principal of the Freshman Campus who has also worked as an attorney, said he was blown away by the students’ debate skills. Scott said he was proud to hear the group presenting cogent arguments – often more effectively than many adults.

Siddiqi said walking the same halls as elected officials was a powerful experience. “We’re sitting in the Capitol and it’s like, ‘Wow, the district really is giving this experience to us,’” she said. “It was just incredible.”