GEORGE F. LEE / STAR-BULLETIN
Fifty-five student lawmakers were sworn in yesterday
at the state Senate chambers, marking the opening of
the 52nd Annual YMCA Youth Legislature.

Student governor
shines as proof
of YMCA’s success

The former dropout and
foster child got involved and
was able to finish school

By Rosemarie Bernardo
Star-Bulletin

Having moved from one foster home to another since she was 13 years old, Rosie Tennis dropped out of Radford High School after having a difficult time concentrating on her studies. Since being involved in the Leeward YMCA program for the past three years, Tennis, now 18, obtained her general education degree in January at the Moanalua Community School for Adults and was elected youth governor for the 52nd Annual YMCA Youth Legislature.

"I never thought three years ago that I would be youth governor," said Tennis. "I look forward to these next few days."

Today through Wednesday, 55 student lawmakers will spend their spring break presenting, debating and voting on 60 bills and resolutions with all the formalities that are mirrored at the state Capitol.

GEORGE F. LEE / STAR-BULLETIN
Hawaii State Rep. Nestor Garcia swore in Rosie Tennis
yesterday as youth governor of the 52nd Annual YMCA
Youth Legislature, in the state Senate chambers.

Sessions will be held at the University of Hawaii Campus Center. Student lawmakers from Oahu, Kauai and the Big Island will stay at the Hale Aloha Lehua dormitory.

Tennis was sworn in as youth governor yesterday in the Senate chambers by Rep. Nestor Garcia. She feels strongly about Youth Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 9, which asks the Board of Education to investigate effective means of decreasing weapons on all school campuses.

"We have so many shootings in public high schools on the mainland," said Tennis. Everything that happens on the mainland sooner or later happens here, she said.

Jennifer Oshiro, 16, who was sworn in as Youth Senate president, supports Youth Senate Bill No. 3, which appropriates $10 million for pay raises for public school teachers and University of Hawaii professors.

"I really think teachers need a better salary," said Oshiro, a student at Mililani High School who plans to be an educator.

Bills and resolutions that pass will be signed by the youth governor at a luncheon reception on Thursday. Awards will be presented for outstanding lawmakers and legislation.

"The Youth Legislature has continued for so many years because it has so many benefits," said Eric Mehmen, YMCA's state director of the Youth Legislature.

"The students learn a lot about current issues, and they develop a lot of skills -- drafting legislation, negotiating and speaking up for what they believe in."

"There is a lot of personal growth in the process," said Mehmen.

Youth Gov. Tennis is doubtful of any future in politics but said she would like to study social work and family law.

"I know what it's like to be in the system," she said. She plans to enroll at Leeward Community College in the fall.