Reagan’s initial foray into YLA was met with nervous anticipation. Excited by what she experienced in her first year, Reagan pursued a leadership position for the following year’s program. Student leaders chose her to serve as a program clerk in the leadership team: a role that set the foundation for further responsibilities. Encouraged by her peers, Reagan campaigned for and was elected speaker of the house for the 2023 YLA session. During her tenure, Reagan played a crucial role in planning the 2023 session, coordinating conference calls and leadership team selections throughout the summer. Reagan also met monthly with student leaders during the academic year, where she assisted her peers in learning the legislative process.

YLA not only allowed Reagan to refine her leadership skills and public speaking prowess — skills that proved invaluable during her college and scholarship interviews — but also paved the way for further opportunities. Her engagement led to her experience paging for the North Carolina House of Representatives under Representative Larry Strickland, and later interning in Representative Howard Penny’s office.

Reagan’s background with YLA provided her with a unique perspective and a solid foundation, which significantly contributed to her effective performance and insightful contributions in our office.

“Reagan had a chance to put to work the skills she learned during YLA while working in my office as an intern. I truly think that because of her knowledge of YLA, it gave Reagan a better understanding of what was going on,” said Rep. Penny. “Reagan’s background with YLA provided her with a unique perspective and a solid foundation, which significantly contributed to her effective performance and insightful contributions in our office.”

Reagan attributes not only her legislative knowledge and leadership capabilities, but also the lasting friendships and supportive network to her time with YLA. Now a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, Reagan frequently meets other YLA alumni, fostering a sense of community and familiarity on campus.

Reagan’s enthusiasm for YLA inspired her sister, Emma, to participate. Emma started as a page during a one-day YLA event for community college students and quickly escalated her involvement. Energized by her initial experience, Emma served as a delegate in the 2023 session and soon sought greater responsibility. Emma was chosen to serve as clerk for the 2024 session and will advance to co-chair of the Agriculture Committee for the 2025 session. Additionally, her YLA experience was instrumental in landing her an internship at Johnston Community College, bolstering her confidence and professionalism needed for her interview.

This summer, Emma served as a house page in the office of Representative Howard Penny, applying her YLA experiences directly within the General Assembly. Representative Penny appreciated having Emma in his office, observing her firsthand understanding of legislative operations.

“Seeing Emma in action as a page gives me every confidence she will excel in her new role as committee co-chair,” Rep. Penny said.

Representative Penny praised students in YLA for their exemplary character and leadership.

“It would not surprise me to see students from this program sitting on the floor of the North Carolina House or North Carolina Senate as legislators in the future,” he said.