Freshman Carson Alewine was one of the few students from South Carolina chosen to participate in Youth in Government through the YMCA.

YIG is an organization that offers programs, conferences, events, trips and training to allow middle and high school students to learn about the government.

YIG is primarily offered to private schools, which is where Alewine first got involved.

Chapman is not partnered with the YIG program, but Principal Matthew Davis made an exception for her because she attended private school until this year.

“I wanted her to be able to have the business experience that he would want any student to have that was serious about it,” Davis said.

Alewine attended a two-day conference where she goes through the government’s process of passing bills and electing officials.

Students from across the country come to the conference to compete to get their bills passed and go through several stages to get a bill passed.

“It’s a really big honor to get your bill passed, because it takes a lot of energy and effort, and lots of debating,” Alewine said.

This program is an opportunity for students to get involved with government at a young age and learn about job opportunities they might be interested in.

It has allowed Alewine to express her interest in government early, and she encourages other students to get involved.

“Even though it’s challenging, I have lots of fun when I go, and it’s something I look forward to every year,” she said.