Youth and Government students headed to the state capitol Friday for the Youth and Government State Conference in Austin, competing against around 1800 other students in Texas.

For over 12 hours each day, students argued as delegates in legislative and judicial bodies for various bills, signing some into law. For president and senior Sindhuja Pannuri, the weekend was a success.

“I’m really proud of everyone,” Pannuri said. “Most of our delegates were first years, so making it to state and competing is a real accomplishment.”

The team brought home several awards.

“Getting awards is really difficult, especially because we compete against hundreds of people, so I’m glad we prepared well enough to bring some awards home,” Pannuri said.

House delegate, sophomore Sankeertana Malakapalli brought home a Distinguished Delegate award for the second year, while arguing her bill about the school-to-prison pipeline. 

“I researched my bill, referenced others and took notes, and I think having a well structured speech and knowing what others were planning helped me succeed,” Malakapalli said. “It felt really good to win again, and I’m excited for next year.”