Way to Go! William Floyd student named to YMCA youth position

A William Floyd High School student has been named to a prestigious position at the YMCA.

Jae Kim, a senior at the school in Mastic Beach, was named vice chair of the YMCA Youth Governors Association during their annual conference this summer in Washington, D.C. The association brings together students selected to the top spot of governor in their YMCA Youth & Government state programs.

Kim was elected governor by his peers last spring at the New York State YMCA Youth & Government Conference in Albany, where approximately 400 students statewide debated original legislation and argued appellate cases.

"This is a role that is crucial to the operation of the Youth Governors Association and one that I highly regard," Kim said of being vice chair. "As leaders, it is crucial for us to gain these perspectives as they allow us to connect better with our delegation and become more understanding."

In the position, Kim's responsibilities include working with the association's chair to organize national meetings and helping to coordinate all national events and partnerships. He will also address any concerns that arise between youth governors and provide direct lines of communication between 47 different member states.

Kim also serves as his school's student body president and is a member of the varsity golf and tennis teams, Senior Class Council and National Honor Society.

— MICHAEL R. EBERT

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.