State YMCA of Georgia's Youth Assembly and Junior Youth Assembly!!!

Anna and I love to give back when we can - and, this was a perfect opportunity to give back. :) We were asked by Gerald Wade with the State YMCA of Georgia to take a few photographs for them of their Youth Assembly and Junior Youth Assembly.You see I, Spencer, grew up going to every single Y-Club event there was. Y-Club, sponsored & operated by the State YMCA of Georgia, is a Christian-based service club. Ok, not Christian in the sense of no other religions are involved (it's actually quite the opposite). Instead, Christian as in following Christian morals and values. It is a -wonderful- club that I am extremely happy I could be part of in middle school and high school.Youth Assembly and Junior Youth Assembly are mock legislatures. The Youth Assembly, for High Schoolers, literally takes over the State Capital! Each student, or pair of students, is required to write a bill to be debated at the House and Senate. The idea is to have a fun time with education, debate, and leadership skills - ... ok, and just a great time for the students. JYA, Junior Youth Assembly, was held at a hotel not far away with the same ideas in mind. The debate was pretty great at both - there were definitely some great ideas going around.Anyway, we were happy to be able to get some photographs for them. Here's a few from the conference:

YA (Youth Assembly) in the State House (the Senate has less seats). You can see some of the students standing up to be recognized by the chair to either ask a question or speak on the bill (though, with a student current at the well, the podium in the front, it is more likely they are asking a question)

This is JYA. They are all standing up to be recognized by the chair. Depending on if they are in the House or Senate - they yell "Mr. Speaker!!!!" as they stand up. (And yes, I definitely mean yell)

A quick shot of Mr. Wade listening to a speaker. Mr. Wade was the CEO of the State YMCA for 25+ years and is now the CEO again!

Another quick shot of Mr. Wade! I believe I remember him having that same suit when I was in middle school!! He's great though - I'm thrilled to see him working with the State YMCA of Georgia again!

- Spencer ClarkA Y-Club Has-been (inside joke for the y-clubbers that read our blog)