PRESS RELEASE
| For Immediate Release Friday, April 6, 2001 |
Contact: Michael M. Kinney Phone: 609-777-2533 |
NJ Secretary of State Swears In Youth Governor;
Challenges Youth Delegates to Lend Their Voice and
Experience to the Democratic Process
Trenton - New Jersey Secretary of State DeForest B. Soaries, Jr. today joined with student delegates from throughout the state as they gathered in the Assembly Chambers of the State House to experience, firsthand, the democratic process. During the opening session of the annual YMCA Youth and Government program, Secretary Soaries administered the Oath of Office to Youth Governor Michael Hompesch. He told the more than 350 student leaders in attendance that their voice and their involvement was critical to addressing some of society's most pressing issues - including youth violence. "Today's young people are the smartest generation to grace the planet," Soaries said. "You have the insight to develop meaningful solutions to important issues that not only work for you, but also enhance the quality of life for all people. You are catalysts for positive and lasting change. You are the role models who will redefine the future."
Sponsored by the YMCA, the Youth & Government program is designed to help students gain a greater understanding and appreciation of our state's legislative process by exposing them to experiences in democracy. Student delegates involved with the program prepare and debate pieces of original legislation. The bills signed by the Youth Governor are then distributed to actual members of the state legislature. Since its inception in 1938, many student ideas generated by this program have been enacted into New Jersey law.
"By engaging young people in programs like today's Youth and Government program, we are encouraging them recognize how much power they have, how much potential they have and how important it is to make responsible decisions in life," said Secretary Soaries.
Highlighting the state's V-Free initiative, Secretary Soaries encouraged delegates to take an active role in helping to foster an environment free of violence, vandalism and victimization. Spearheaded by the Department of State's Center for Youth Policy and Programs, V-Free is a comprehensive initiative created to encourage personal responsibility and empower young people keep the three "V's" out of New Jersey's schools and communities. To date more than 70,000 students have pledged to be V-Free.
