The students were divided into “family groups” for the YMCA Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C., held June 8–12. Wilkes says she became very close with those in her family group, and they are still in touch after returning home.
On a tour of D.C., Geri Wilkes and her group paused in front of the Washington Monument for a photo op.
Submitted photo
The entire group took a picture with the President and CEO of the YMCA and the CEO of MissionSquare Retirement at the conclusion of the conference.
Submitted photo
The students were divided into “family groups” for the YMCA Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C., held June 8–12. Wilkes says she became very close with those in her family group, and they are still in touch after returning home.
MONTPELIER — Geri Wilkes, a student at Bear Lake High School, recently represented Idaho at the YMCA Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C., held June 8–12 after being elected Idaho’s Youth Legislative Governor in the spring.
The annual conference brings together student leaders from across the country who have been elected to serve as Youth Governors in their respective state Youth and Government programs. Over the course of the event, students participated in leadership workshops, policy discussions and networking opportunities with peers and national leaders.
“At this conference we learned how to bring people together, how to handle potential challenges that might come up and just so much more,” said Wilkes, who will be a junior in the fall. “Getting to represent Idaho was such an honor, and I got to meet so many amazing people.”
During the week, attendees toured historic sites, including the White House, and met with public figures such as the president and CEO of the YMCA, the CEO of MissionSquare Retirement and U.S. Representative Gwen Moore of Wisconsin.
“Seeing the White House was absolutely amazing — it was so beautiful,” Wilkes said. “Not to mention seeing everybody’s different leadership styles really inspired me. It even made me change some of my views on how I want to lead and live my life.”
Wilkes also noted the collaborative spirit among the group.
“Even though we had just met, we connected right away. We’re still in touch and continue to support one another,” she said.
Outside of her role in Youth and Government, Wilkes is a cheerleader at Bear Lake High School and was recently selected for the UCA All American Cheer Team, a national recognition for standout athletes.
The Youth Governors Conference aims to give students firsthand insight into how government functions while helping them build leadership skills and connections that extend beyond the classroom. Wilkes said the experience has shaped how she views leadership and affirmed the importance of youth involvement in civic programs.
“It was an honor to represent Idaho,” Wilkes said. “We learned about leadership, how to work through potential problems and how to bring people together. It was a great experience to meet so many others who care about making a difference.”
She also mentioned that one of the lighter highlights of the trip was attending the annual Congressional Baseball Game — noting that the Republican team came out ahead.
Wilkes will serve as Idaho’s Youth Governor when the YMCA Youth Government convenes in Boise next spring.
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