Freehold YMCA Named Premier Delegation at NJYAG Conference

The Freehold Borough YMCA’s Youth and Government (YAG) program sent 23 delegates to the New Jersey Youth and Government conference, an annual event at which students from across the state propose and debate legislation aimed at solving prominent issues. 2019 marked the 18th year that students from Freehold High School represented the YMCA of Western Monmouth County at the prestigious event.

In the months leading up to conference, delegates are tasked with writing a piece of legislation that aims to solve a problem they feel requires attention in the state of New Jersey. At conference, students present, defend, and amend their bill to their peers who then vote on it. Bills that pass in both the Senate and Assembly are then sent to the Youth Governor and Cabinet for final voting.

Aside from increasing delegates’ awareness of state affairs, they also refine their debate and public speaking skills while building confidence and making new friends over the course of the weekend.

The Freehold Borough YMCA earned the prestigious “Premier Delegation” award given by conference leaders for meeting various criteria, including meeting all deadlines and for representing the core four values of the YMCA - caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. This was the first time in delegation history that Freehold Borough received the award. Krina Shah and Nalin Gardilla were nominated by conference staff to attend the prestigious YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs which is held annually in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
Shah, a Freehold High School senior who will attend Villanova University in the fall, served as Chair of the Cleveland/Wilson Assembly. Gardilla, also a Freehold High School senior, served as Lieutenant Governor of the conference.

Other delegates who received special recognition for their performance at conference were:
Sara Kalanther and Sarah Cohen – Legislation passed in both Cleveland/Wilson Senate and Assembly
Alessa Alex and Sarah Cohen – Legislation passed in Cleveland/Wilson Assembly
David Kim – Legislation passed unanimously in Cleveland/Wilson Senate
Eshaan Mehta – Legislation passed in Cleveland/Wilson Senate
Riya Anand and Sanya Adlakha – Award for Outstanding Legislation

Delegates who attended the NJYAG conference also completed an act of service by collecting school supplies for the United Way of Hunterdon County’s Tools 4 School. Over 600 items will be donated to families in need this September.

For more information on the Freehold YMCA Youth and Government program, contact Ashley Biddle at 732-845-5273 ext 6.

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About The YMCA of Western Monmouth County

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For over 120 years, the YMCA of Western Monmouth County has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting persona and social change. In 2017, the YMCA of Western Monmouth County provided over $395,000 in financial assistance to the children, families and seniors of our community. For more information, visit www.ymcanj.org.