KYG 2007: Gov. Gregoire Interview



Youth Reporters Cover "Media and Politics" At 4-H Know Your Government Conference

Participants in the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference at the State Capitol in Olympia this February experienced something new they will likely never forget. The conference theme, "Media and Politics," was a perfect fit for 4-H State Ambassadors to practice the role of 4-H Network News political reporters. After an intense evening of training on camera, these articulate youth leaders moved throughout the Capitol, interviewing State Senators and Representatives from their various districts.

Kyle Simon, Kittitas County 4-H member and 4-H State Ambassador, conducted an on camera interview with Governor Christine Gregoire. The interview was a spontaneous one which occurred when the 4-H news team peered over the railing in the Capitol Dome and saw the Governor talking with school groups below. They hustled down the stairs to approach the Governor, who immediately recognized the 4-H microphone flag and knew she was in for a professional interview. Kyle showed his poise under pressure as he quickly prepared his microphone and positioned himself among the crowd of people to ask her, "Is there anything that you can recommend for youth to become more involved in the democratic process?

Governor Gregoire replied enthusiastically, "I'm a big fan of students signing up to be pages during the legislative session. Both of my daughters were pages. They had a great time for a week. They earned money, they learned about the process, they made friends for life from across the state. So if you really want to get engaged or involved, be an intern if you're in college, be a page if you're in high school - I think it's the best way to learn the process."

Three hundred Washington State teens attended this year's 4-H Know Your Government Conference and learned how the role of media can impact politicians, legislation and public opinion. Teens accepted responsibilities of writers, reporters, radio announcers, researchers and photographers and experienced first hand how their journalistic style can impact the way a story is told and the affect it may have on decision makers and policy.

Jan Klein, State 4-H Teen Leadership Coordinator, stated, "We are so proud of our 4-H youth. They study hard before attending these conferences and have to really focus their energies to accomplish the required tasks. I am pleasantly surprised each year with their high quality performance."

A variety of journalists presented during the youth conference, including KIRO radio host Ron Reagan, the son of former President Ronald Regan and KIRO's Chief Political Analyst, Adam Wilson, political writer for The Olympian, Ian Fox, KGY reporter and Nicole Sanchez from KCPQ-TV news. TVW President Cindy Zehnder spoke at a legislative luncheon on the last day. All events, including a dance, were held at the Red Lion Hotel in Olympia.

The 4-H Know Your Government Conference is a hands-on educational opportunity for youth ages 14 - 18. Over 80,000 youth participate in 4-H programs statewide in areas including leadership, service learning, the arts, science and technology. To learn more about 4-H programs throughout Washington State go to http://4h.wsu.edu/ or call your county WSU Extension office.

Washington State 4-H KYG

Washington State Page Program

See Interview Photo On Seattle PI MySeattlePix

Ron Reagan Keynote for 2007 KYG: Part I

Ron Reagan, political commentator, presents his keynote speech at the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference in Olympia, WA. Part I.

Rep. Bill Grant interview

Brianne Javaux, 4-H State Ambassador, interviews Rep. Bill Grant of the 16th Legislative District of Washington State and asks him how youth can become more involved in the democratic process. Brianne was participating in the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference in Olympia, WA when this interview was conducted.

Rep. Judy Warnick Interview


Kyle Simon, 4-H State Ambassador in Washington State, interviews Rep. Judy Warnick during the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference. He asks her how youth can become more involved in the democratic process. Featured also is Emily Peel, 4-H State Ambassador.

Rep. Bill Hinkle interview

Chris Lael, 4-H State Ambassador, interviews Rep. Bill Hinkle of the 13th Legislative District of Washington State and asks him how youth can become more involved in the democratic process. Chris was participating in the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference in Olympia, WA when this interview was conducted.

Rep. Kathy Haigh interview

Carrie Wiggin, 4-H Network News reporter and 4-H State Ambassador, interviews Rep. Kathy Haigh from the 35th Legislative District. Rep. Haigh shares how youth can become involved in the democratic process.

Rep. Dave Quall interview

Clinton Gauthier, 4-H Network News reporter and 4-H State Ambassador, interviews Rep. Dave Quall from the 40th Legislative District. Rep. Quall shares how youth can become more involved in the democratic process. This interview was conducted as part of the youth leadership activities at the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference.

Rep. David Buri interview

Jessica Ubachs, 4-H Network News reporter and 4-H State Ambassador, interviews Rep. David Buri of the 9th Legislative District in Washington State. This interview was part of the youth leadership activities connected with the 2007 4-H Know Your Government Conference held in Olympia, WA. Rep. Buri shares how youth can become more involved in the democratic process.

A Visit to the Washington State Capitol Conservatory



Constructed by the Works Progress Administration in 1939, the conservatory contains an assortment of cacti, orchids, and sub-tropical plants. The conservatory also produces bedding plants for the Capitol Campus. Open for public viewing from 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. weekdays. Call 360-586-3460 for summer hours.

Shown are a group of youth visiting the site as part of their 4-H Know Your Government program.

KYG Youth Visit the Washington State Vietnam Veterans Memorial



This video shows a group of youth visiting the Washington State Capitol as part of the 4-H Know Your Government program. As they were touring the Capitol, it was suggested that they visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Unbeknownst to the youth group, one of the parent chaperones had lost his brother in the war. This video shows him and his daughter reflecting on their loss and the impact it has had on them and our country.

Inscriptions- "Washington State Vietnam Veterans Memorial," "To all my brothers and sisters who made it back, but never made it home. In memory of those who have died from physical and emotional wounds received while serving in the Vietnam War. We honor and recognize their pain and suffering, but above all we respect the courage of these Washington State residents. When our country called, you were there. We have not forgotten, you are not alone. You Now Rest in Glory," names of the 1,116 state residents killed or missing.

4-H Know Your Government


4-H leaders and youth members in Jefferson County, WA share their thoughts about the value of 4-H Know Your Government conferences and training.

State Budget News Report

KYN Channel 10 News Report on State Budget Surplus Funds