Eight students from Leland Public School were traveling to Lansing this week to participate in the YMCA Michigan Youth in Government high school conferences in Lansing.

Students will hold mock legislative sessions in the House and Senate chambers as well as write, debate and vote on bills.

“Youth in Government students often come up with innovative ideas that make Michigan a better place,” said Brent Veysey, state director of the program. “It was Youth in Government students who developed the idea of a vertical driver’s license, for example, which the Department of State later implemented.”

This year marks the 62nd anniversary of the program, which each year provides more than 1,600 students with the opportunity to learn more about the governmental process.

Attending this week’s conference are Leland students Audri Fierberg, Emma Thomas, Rebecca Thomas, Kenyon McFarlane, Sarah Jane Crimmins and exchange students Liya Khakujiva, Parwaiz Amery, and Natia Tsilosani. In addition, three students from Elk Rapids will participate as part of Leland School.

Attendance at the conference is supported in part by the Leland Educational Foundation.

Michigan Youth in Government is a branch of the state YMCA of Michigan. Its conference provide hands-on learning of the state legislative and judicial process as well as leadership development for students across the state in grades 6-12.