Faith Christian Upper School Hi-Y students participated in 76th Model General Assembly.

Ten Faith Christian Upper School Hi-Y students participated in the 76th Model General Assembly (MGA) April 18-21, with over 300 other students from around the Commonwealth. Prior to participating, FCS students researched and wrote bills over the last several months, and at MGA presented the bills in committee and again on the floor. They took questions, debated with other senators and delegates, and worked through amendments as their bills went through the legislative process. As a result, the bill by Caleb Eng and Alex Caywood was passed by the Youth Governor.

Congratulations to the FCS Hi-Y students for a job well done in representing their club and our school at this statewide leadership program.

Hi-Y clubs perform school and community service projects as well as participate in the Virginia YMCA’s model government programs. The Model General Assembly program was established in 1948 by the Virginia YMCA, designed to introduce high school students to the legislative process of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Legislation is debated in committees and on the floors of the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates. Students from public and private schools from across the Commonwealth participate in the event. 

Students from Faith Christian School served in a variety of roles.

• Delegates: Alex Caywood (House Floor Leader), Lailah Lineberry, Juliette Melnychuk, Graham Whitaker, and Bella Miller

• Senators: Rachelle Brown, (Committee Chair), Hailey Nichols, Caleb Eng, and Lily Ayers

• Youth Governor’s Cabinet: Caroline Haig

• Bill patrons: Ayers, Melynchuk, Caywood, Eng, Whitaker, Nichols

Additionally, Caroline Haig and Caleb Eng both ran for elected office. Haig advanced from the primary to the final election for Lt. Governor, and Eng advanced from the primary to the final election for Youth Governor. Both Haig and Eng prepared speeches, campaigned and participated in a panel discussion with their fellow candidates facilitated by the MGA media.