The White Rock YMCA brought 10 students from Spence Middle School to the YMCA Junior Youth and Government Conference two weeks ago.
About 200 students from all over Texas attended the conference, where they got to debate their proposed bills from the actual Texas House and Senate floors.
Two Spence students were recognized: Jalon Clay won rookie of the year, and Mary Kimber won an award for outstanding delegate.
YMCA youth development coordinator Carol Whitsitt and Spence teachers Lauren Tims and Patty Hay traveled with and advised the students.
J.L. Long Middle School will start a Junior Youth in Government club at the beginning of the school year with Karen Zotos as the adviser. YMCA White Rock also works with Lakehill Prep, Woodrow and Skyline to offer the high school version of Youth in Government.
