45th Annual YMCA Conference on National Affairs
Monday Edition July 2, 2012 Issue III
What Does Your State Have to Trade? By Rachel Persaud Staff Writer
On Saturday, I took my first step onto the porch of Lee Hall and realized its importance. After a few handshakes and a surprising amount of hugs, delegates began to beg me for something to trade. Since trading is such a huge deal on the mountain, I’ve compiled a list of the more humorous and unique memorabilia available. Virginia has tri-corner hat pins, symbolic of the first
colonists. They also have “Virginia is for CONA lovers” tattoos, their CONA t-shirt embracing an anti-darting and anti-chanting campaign, and a YMCA water bottle. Massachusetts features a pin with the flag of the United States and Massachusetts, a t-shirt resembling the Dunkin Donuts logo, as well as Dunkin Donut visors. The pin of Wisconsin is very simple, with the word “moo” as its prominent feature. The shirt features
the cow again with a lightning-shaped scar upon its forehead. The caption below says, “Age is foolish and forgetful when it underestimates youth - Albus Dumbledore.” Last, but not least, is the rare and coveted Arizona tee. While Arizona had no pin this year, they proudly will trade you one of their Hunger Games shirts. Emblazoned on the shirt: a fiery design captioned “Arizona: The State on Fire.”
Photo Credit: Eric Storlie
Lanyards fill quickly with CONA
pins
Former Delegates Take YIG to the Next Level By Miranda McLaughlin, Amy Dennis, and Kristie Chua Staff Writers
As Youth in Government celebrates their 75th anniversary, the YMCA hopes to extend the program to the college level. This expansion will give undergraduates the chance to continue their participation in Youth in Government after graduating high school, ensuring that democracy is learned by each generation. College Youth in Government is different from YIG because it’s modeled after the federal government. Its aim is to help prepare the students involved in Youth in Government for civic engagement and public service careers. The program provides a smooth transition
modeled. The first YMCA College YIG National Assembly will be held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina from Jan. 16-20, 2013. The conference will be similar to a state YIG conference, but will be concerned with national as opposed to state issues. Costello and Casey estimate that 200 delegates will Photo Credit: Eric Storlie attend the first College YIG Youth in Government is stepping up its game and going to the National Assembly. College college level of debate and presiding. YIG is committed to having a from being in Youth in back to the program. Costello less divided country. That is Government to participating and Casey were both what set the organization in the federal government. alternate presiding officers apart. When asked what Sean Costello and Sean at CONA in 2010. College YIG means to them, Casey, the president and vice In March, the 12 chapters Costello and Casey describe president of College YIG, of College YIG developed a it as a chance to mentor the describe it as a chance to Constitution after which the next generation and promote continue learning and to give National Assembly will be the program.
The Blue Ridge Journal
45th Annual YMCA Conference on National Affairs Monday Edition July 2, 2012 Issue III
P.O. Profiles: Mama’s Boy and the Amazing Catman CONA causes cat-lover Washington’s Tucker Colvin to have an out-of-body experience
Michigan man Tyler Gross leans on his mom and thanks CONA for giving him his greatest honor By Rachel Persaud
By Kyle Denman
Staff Writer
Staff Writer
Name: Tucker “Cats Change Lives” Cholvin # of years on Mountain: Two years as a delegate, this is No. 3. School: Georgetown University, School of Foreign Service Major: International Political Economy Home State: Washington STATE (holla) Favorite Sport: Badminton Movie: Sound of Music … and PROUD Place to Visit: Orcas Island, WA Books: East of Eden, Steinbeck. War & Peace, Tolstoy. Hobbies: Writing, kayaking, CATS Music: Sad 80’s British popjazz fusion, GAGA Role Model: Franklin D. Roosevelt Best CONA Memory: Last year when my proposal passed plenary, I think I blacked out a little, but I do remember throwing my hands
Tucker Cholvin stares pensively. Photo Credit: Adam Pennavaria
in the air and felt totally, utterly happy. I have never felt something like that outside of CONA. Which YMCA core value do you think you best represent and why? Responsibility. I am a very talent-oriented person, but I am also afraid of letting people down. However, my favorite thing to sing is absolutely “Respect” by Aretha Franklin. What is the most important thing CONA has taught you? Believe in yourself. You are so much stronger than you may ever realize. Believe in others. There is a world full of things to learn from them.
Name: Tyler Gross # of Years on the Mountain: This makes four. School: Michigan State University Major: Public Policy/ Integrative Studies Home State: Michigan Favorite Sport: Soccer Movie: V for Vendetta,
Pan’s Labyrinth Place to Visit: New Zealand Book: Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card Hobbies: Card games Music: Aesop Rock Role Model: My mom (Jennifer Marshall). She is the strongest, most amazing person I know. Best CONA memory: Passing plenary with Melissa Weaver. What YMCA core value do you think you represent and why? Honesty – mostly with myself. I always try to stay true to myself, and the rest just comes.
Like us on Facebook @The Blue Ridge Journal Follow us on Twitter at @BRJCONA Come visit us at ymcaconablog.org WIFI is accessible in Lee Hall and Blue Ridge Center
Tyler Gross flashes a smile. Photo Credit: Adam Pennavaria
What is the most important thing CONA has taught you? That people and friendship are more meaningful than accolades. What does it mean to you to be back as a PO? Quite simply, it is the greatest honor of my life. I’m so thankful.
Blue Ridge Weather
Wednesday Rain: 40% High: 88 F Low: 67F
Thursday Rain: 30% High: 88F Low: 68F
Media Corps: Maggie Booz, Kristie Chua, Carter Coudriet, Kyle Denman, Amy Dennis, Jolie Denton, Ashley Fisher, Jessie High, J. A. Kaufmann, Brian McKanna, Miranda Mc Laughlin, Eric Moyer, Adam Pennavaria, Rachel Persaud, Ali Renckens, Abby Rime, Shelby Sanchez, Caroline Shepard, and Eric Storlie Emma Joslyn Media Director, Drew Caldwell Advisor, Nancy Dennis Advisor, and Jennifer Hill