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AWARDS
Each year awards are given for outstanding achievements during the Legislative Weekend. Staff and other selected persons observe and evaluate performance throughout the sessions and make final selection on Saturday.
Outlined below are the award categories and the criteria for each. All recipients are selected
with the YMCA Ground Rules and Program Goals in mind.
Outstanding Statesperson
Each of the four Legislative Chambers selects one delegate who represents the highest caliber of Statesmanship. The Chamber Officer and the Adult Advisor nominate three (3) delegates for the award, and the Chamber members then vote for the one recipient.
Criteria
- Must be a Legislator or Chaplain. Officers and Clerks/Secretaries are not eligible
- Must be cooperative in her/his approach to legislation – showing a willingness to aid
in the passage of valid legislation as well as working to strengthen weak Bills
- Must have an open, inquisitive mind toward all proposed legislation and not be
limited to partisan concerns
- Must have a demonstrated knowledge of legislative rules, protocol, and courtesy
- Must have a good command of the language, with an ability to convey ideas in clear, understandable terms
- Must display a positive, respectful attitude toward the Program, Chamber
proceedings, fellow delegates, and the facilities
- Must demonstrate a true concern for the quality of life in New Jersey when debating
legislation; not simply be interested in getting favorite Bills passed or defeated
Outstanding Legislation
Two Bills from each Legislature will be selected based upon the following qualities:
- Excellent form
- Idea is clearly defined and explained
- Depth of research is apparent
National Affairs Delegates
Each year, a delegation of outstanding students is selected to represent the State of New Jersey at the YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs held for one week during July at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. This conference brings together over 500 of the top Youth Legislators from across the United States to debate the current affairs of our nation.
Criteria
- Must have demonstrated knowledge of legislative protocol, rules, and courtesy
- Must have a concern for and an insight into, national and international issues
- Must have made a significant and positive contribution to the Program
- Must exhibit a willingness to interact with a wide variety of people
Outstanding Press Member
This award is presented to the person who, in the opinion of the Press Corps Advisor(s),
demonstrates the most cooperation along with strong journalistic skills, in carrying out his/her duties. This person will also be a delegate to the Conference on National Affairs and will serve on its Press Corps.
Premier Delegation
This award will be presented to each delegation that fulfills all of the following requirements:
- All paperwork is correct and on time
- All fees are completely paid on time
- Delegation has 100% adherence to the YMCA Ground Rules and Code of Conduct
- Delegation models Caring, Respect, Honesty, and Responsibility
- Participation in the Press Corps – either by a full-time member or by submitting an
article appropriate for publication
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