Broadwater Academy students earn leadership honors at Model General Assembly

Broadwater Academy students were recognized for their civic-minded leadership during this year’s Model General Assembly, with several also earning top positions for next year’s statewide program.

Nearly 30 Broadwater students participated in the YMCA-sponsored event, one of the school’s largest and most active student delegations. During the recent session in Richmond, students took on roles as lawmakers, media representatives, and lobbyists, gaining firsthand experience in Virginia’s legislative process.

Broadwater students secured several leadership roles this year, including Sofia Rader as House Speaker, Sarah Outten as Deputy Clerk, and Sterling Stonestreet as Floor Leader.

The school will again be well represented next year as well, as junior Steven Ye was elected Youth Governor and junior Claire Boyle was selected to serve as House Speaker for the 80th Annual Model General Assembly.

The Broadwater delegation included Chris Ames, Claire Boyle, Caroline Caison, Sophia Cantwell, Carly Clayton, Bennit Custis, Virginia Custis, Kacey Ford, Danny Gallivan, Neiley Guinan, Jake Haynes, Adrianna Holloway, Susanna Locklear, Mariah Moore, Sarah Outten, Sofia Rader, Noah Rudmin, Lily Scott, Kinsley Stonestreet, Sterling Stonestreet, Caroline Sturgis, Camilla Tang, Izid Tountas, Emmy Trower, Jack Turner, Henry Watson, Tatum Watson, and Steven Ye.

Approximately 300 students from across Virginia attended the three-day session, with participants serving in various roles that mirror the structure of the state government. Since its founding in 1948, more than 50,000 Virginia students have taken part in the program.

Broadwater’s Head of School Fran Ryan said the experience reflects Broadwater Academy’s mission of developing civic-minded leaders, preparing students to become engaged citizens both on the Eastern Shore and beyond.