by Clinton Gauthier

SJC 4-H Program Coordinator

San Juan County 4-H teen delegates spent Presidents’ Day weekend in Olympia, Washington, at the annual 4-H Know Your Government Conference.

KYG is a comprehensive civic education program with a four-year rotating curriculum: the legislative system, the judicial system, elections and party platforms, and politics and the media. This year’s conference focused on the judicial system, with a special emphasis on jury duty.

The San Juan County delegation comprised 11 teens: Elizabeth, Emilio, Harrison and Sabine from San Juan Island, and Ava, Madeline, Mira, Raya, Solianna, Sylvia and Wren from Orcas Island.

The annual 4-H-sponsored KYG Conference gathers teens from across the state to learn about Washington state government. This year, county delegations participated in preconference sessions to study the trial process and the Washington state courts. In Olympia, the teens engaged in two mock trials, serving as jurors. They gained valuable insights into jury duty and the complexities of jury deliberation. Overall, the conference effectively equipped these youths for the important civic responsibility of jury service.

Trip highlights for the San Juan County delegation included listening to Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, touring the capitol building and volunteering in the Thurston County Food Bank Community Gardens. Notably, two of the four jury groups elected San Juan County youth as their foreperson.

Our delegates and San Juan County 4-H extend their sincere gratitude to the San Juan County Leaders’ Council, individuals from the San Juan County Democratic Party, the Orcas Island Community Foundation and its donors for their generous financial support. Both the Republican and Democratic parties were contacted for support. Special thanks are also due to chaperones Kristina Bayas (San Juan Island) and Kathy Morris and Dana Kinsey (both Orcas Island) for their exceptional guidance and mentorship. We also recognize San Juan County Prosecutor Amy Vira for her informative preconference presentation and for providing our group with a tour of the courthouse and her office.

Next year’s KYG Conference will focus on the legislative system, including bill writing and interpretation. Teens in grades nine through 12 interested in participating can contact Clinton Gauthier, 4-H program coordinator, at the WSU Extension office for more information.

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization with a strong presence in San Juan County. 4-H empowers young people to become confident, capable and caring citizens through hands-on learning and community involvement. Programs focus on developing essential life skills, leadership and a commitment to service.