THIS IS WHIGGIE TERRITORY! 🐷 THIS IS TORY TERRITORY! 🐔

WHAT A DAY! With Monday wrapping up, we look back on a day chock-full of LYS Spirit!

We started the morning with Communication Connection, led by staffer Maddie Lumar. Delegates worked through activities to sharpen their communication skills 📢, build confidence, and learn how to work better as a group—at LYS and beyond.
Delegates also jumped into their first Involvement Session today, diving deeper into leadership, teamwork, and what it means to get involved. (Learn more below)
This evening is also Skit Night! Each group incorporates their color, mascot, symbol and theme in true LYS fashion! 🎭 “We are proud of you- say we are proud of you!”
We’re setting our anchor on another great day of LYS. More to come tomorrow!

POLITICAL PARTY KICKOFF

COMMUNICATION CONNECTION

Representative Terry Landry is our featured speaker for the 2026 Political Party Kickoff! Terry is a 1998 LYS delegate from Teurlings Catholic High School. With degrees from Louisiana State University and Southern University Law Center, Terry built a career fighting for fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all Louisianans. Over the past 16 years, he has worked at the highest levels of state government, public policy, and the private sector, ensuring that everyday people—not special interests—come first. Currently, Terry lives out this call to serve through representing District 67 in the Louisiana House of Representatives.

“Don’t chase a title. Chase a passion. Chase a purpose.” - Representative Terry landry

SPOTLIGHT INVOLVEMENT SESSION OF THE DAY:
FEELINGS THROUGH MUSIC

Spotlight Involvement session of the day: Feelings Through Music!, led by staffer Keionna Herrera, is the most relaxing and reflective session of the week. This allows delegates to channel their emotions while listening to handpicked inspiring songs 🎶 and expressing themselves through art 🎨.

In the middle of the high intensity energy of the week, it is certainly a great time to step back and reflect. The delegates are also encouraged to apply this helpful exercise of reflection and expression to their lives when they return home.

Tory Asst. Joseph, Tory Chair Keagan, Whig Chair Deporres Chair, Whig Asst. Armani

We kicked off the LYS Political Party Process this morning which begs the question, pigs or chickens? The LYS political system has two parties, the Whig Party (🐷) and the Tory Party (🐔). As each of the delegates arrived at LYS they were assigned to one of our two political parties. During LYS, delegates will be encouraged to embrace the importance of our freedom of speech and our duty as citizens to participate in the political process by voting. Delegates will have the opportunity to run for office in their respective political party. By giving speeches, voting and participating in a caucus filled with strategy and a whole lot of fun, delegates get a complete look at the political process. We’ll be sure to give you updates!

TORY PARTY 🐔

Chair: Keagan Davis + Assistant: Joseph Culotta

Whig PArty 🐷

Chair: Deporres Taplette + Assistant: Armani Dixon

Mark Erath, the 2026 No Man Is An Island Award recipient, is a proud alumnus of Louisiana Youth Seminar, attending as a delegate in 1976 and serving as a Presidential Candidate of the Whig Party. A native of New Orleans and graduate of Brother Martin High School, Mark went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from LSU and an MBA in Healthcare Leadership from the University of Tennessee. Across a career spanning healthcare, education, consulting, and public service, Mark has led with integrity, humility, and a deep commitment to helping people and organizations become their very best.