The William Floyd High School Youth & Government program continued its long tradition of excellence at the 87th annual New York State YMCA Youth & Government conference held late last month in Albany, NY. With approximately 520 students from across the state gathering in the capital for a weekend of simulated government in the state’s actual legislative chambers, William Floyd secured 11 state leadership positions including the governorship, as well as earned themselves a host of awards.
“Each year, under the guidance of advisors Robert Feeney and Patricia Costell, William Floyd students dominate this conference by winning nearly all of the top state leadership positions, as well as a plethora of awards,” said Kevin M. Coster, superintendent of schools, William Floyd School District. “These amazing performances are a testament to the time, preparation, dedication and intelligence of our students and their advisors. Congratulations, once again, on making our school community proud, and for being a shining example of excellence.”
Mr. Feeney has served as the program’s advisor since 1985, having the opportunity to mentor generations of students with an interest in government and public policy. Under his guidance, dozens of former students have achieved success in public policy, government and law, with many serving prominent roles in the public sector. He is a member of the YMCA Youth & Government Hall of Fame. Ms. Costell, longtime co-advisor, joined Mr. Feeney this year as a Hall of Fame inductee.
William Floyd High School senior Jae Kim, who was elected governor last year and presided over this year’s conference, passed the baton to junior Nikolas DelVecchio, who was elected governor for the 2024 conference. William Floyd students also captured 10 other leadership positions.
Below are the elected positions and the awards. Please note that due to the number of students involved, each legislative branch of government has two versions – example: Assembly Liberty, Assembly Freedom, Senate Liberty and Senate Freedom.
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Governor: Nikolas DelVecchio
Chief Justice: Mary Duenzl
Attorney General: Riley Bent
Public Defender: Alice Chen
Speaker, Assembly Freedom: Rafay Cheema
Speaker, Assembly Liberty: Joshua Schultzer
Deputy Speaker, Assembly Freedom: Matthew Reis
Deputy Speaker, Assembly Liberty: Jason Alexopoulos
Pro-Tempore, Senate Liberty: Olivia Phillips
Deputy Pro-Tempore, Senate Liberty: Olivia Pustelnik
Deputy Pro-Tempore, Senate Freedom: Victoria Basharina
Best Brief
Case A: Aaliyah Jordan, Amerie Samura
Case C: Hannah Hendriks, Calasia Hill
Outstanding Attorney
Maggie Hua
Outstanding Firm Leader
Maggie Hua
Best Bill
Assembly Freedom: Mathew Reis, Sanaya Spruell, Jocelyn Volpe, Quentin Thompson
Assembly Liberty: Jason Alexopoulos, Eric DiGiacomo, Hannah Schultzer, Joshua Schultzer
Senate Freedom: Kassidy Chamberlain, Koda Kane, Zen Pastor
Senate Liberty: Olivia Phillips, Dua Ali, Yasmine Zada, Nikolas DelVecchio, John Bonarrigo, Giavanna Moscardino
Best Debaters
Assembly Liberty: Jason Alexopoulos, Brendan Reilly
Senate Freedom: Victoria Basharina
Senate Liberty: Hiba Farooq, Olivia Phillips, Olivia Pustelnik
Conference on National Affairs (CONA) Selections
Jason Alexopoulos, Antonio Cortes, Nikolas DelVecchio, Sia Minhas, Olivia Phillips, Joshua Schultzer
Conference on National Affairs (CONA) Alternates
Alternates: Sofia Ariza, Alice Chen, Mathew Reis
Special Award
Congratulations to YMCA Youth & Government advisor Patricia Costell, who joins Robert Feeney as a member of the YMCA Youth & Government Hall of Fame!