Florida YMCA YIG Program Awards Locals

Guyberson Pierre, left, and Eric Singleton (YMCA)

(PRESS RELEASE)_West Palm Beach, FL – (April 11, 2019) – The YMCA of the Palm Beaches was excited to establish a YMCA Youth In Government (YIG) Delegation for the first time during this year's 62nd Annual State Assembly in Tallahassee.  Royal Palm Beach High Schools Guyberson Pierre and Eric Singleton proudly represented the YMCA of the Palm Beaches and successfully took home the 'Look Out Award' and 'Outstanding Statesman Runner-Up Award,' respectively.   

Since 1936, the YMCA YIG has given students around the country the opportunity to serve as part of a youth-run, youth-led model government process. The Florida YMCA YIG program was founded in 1957, and for more than 62 years its delegates have been actively engaged with the issues that impact their families, schools, YMCAs, and communities.

“It was a joy to observe these young men participate with nearly 650 other delegates throughout the State of Florida.  This program truly aligns with the Y’s mission to foster confidence and instill social responsibility in our youth,” said Lisa Fisher, YMCA of the Palm Beaches’ Executive Director.  

The YMCA YIG program, at all levels, is designed to help teens from every background understand that in order to lead, they must first learn how to serve others. This practice of servant leadership guides this powerful program. Its model government process is designed to prepare students for a life of engaged and active citizenship built on the values of civil debate, statesmanship, and research-based policy solutions. YIG greatly values investing in the youth of today as leaders of tomorrow and offers many benefits to students in Palm Beach County.  Beyond hands-on exposure to the processes that power their community, students in the program are likely to cultivate a sense of achievement and belonging; develop professional and personal skills; have access to positive relationships and mentorship experiences to help them make good decisions and become more socially responsible.

YMCA of the Palm Beaches is located at 2085 South Congress Ave.  For more information, visit ymcapalmbeaches.org or contact Lisa Fisher at lisa.fisher@ymcapalmbeaches.org or 561-968-9622. 

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