Good morning, delegates!
I’m Governor AnnMarie McDaniel, and I want to personally welcome each and every one of you to the 76th Alabama Youth Legislature Conference!
I’m beyond excited to be here with all of you, and I hope you are too! To kick things off, let’s get a little energy in the room. Where are my first time delegates? Make some noise! Now, where are the delegates who’ve been here before? That enthusiasm, that’s what you have to look forward to.
This weekend is a big deal. For some of you, it’s your first time leaving home for a few days and experiencing a little independence from your parents. You’re going to have lots of decisions to make. Do I speak up or stay quiet? Do I take notes or sneak a quick peek at my phone during a debate? Trust me, I’ve been there.
But here’s the thing: While we can’t control what other people do — whether it’s their ideas or their attitudes — we can control how we respond. We can control our actions and the way we carry ourselves when faced with decisions.
So, this weekend, I encourage you to remember your decorum and to take responsibility for your own choices. The Y staff, the college staff, and the advisors have entrusted us with a huge responsibility — to be the leaders we’ve shown we can be. And with that trust, we grow. Every year, delegates fall in love with this conference, and I truly believe it’s because we’re given the chance to thrive in an environment where our voices really matter.
I know that sometimes, when you’re doing your best to control yourself and make the right choices, it can feel like your actions aren’t enough. Like speaking up or using your resources won’t actually change the world. But here’s the truth: This weekend, your voice is enough. Your choices do matter. This entire conference is built around the idea that you have the power to influence, to speak, to lead.
This conference is different because you are here. Each of you brings something unique to the table — whether it’s the ideas you’ll propose, the decisions you’ll make, or the connections you’ll build. You matter. Your presence here matters.
So, let this weekend be your time to shine. Push past your comfort zones. Raise that placard, challenge those ideas, and most importantly: have fun. Take full advantage of this experience and make it your own.
Thank you for being here, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things you all will do this weekend!