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A high school youth and government program has made a lasting impression on Dakarai Wiltz.

Wiltz, an 18-year-old Woodrow Wilson Early College High School student, is entering his fourth year as part of the YMCA Texas Youth and Government program. He most recently had a chance to travel to North Carolina for the prestigious Conference on National Affairs.

“It wasn’t about winning but more about leadership and being able to see from different perspectives and aspects from public affairs to national affairs,” Wiltz said.

Wiltz made is mark at the district level and moved on to state where he earned “distinguished delegate.” From there he applied for and attended the national conference.

Students are able to experience the inner workings of government taking on the role of senator or representative, attorney, lobbyist or press member.

They compete by taking a topic, doing the necessary research then arguments.

Wiltz’s topic was an argument for implementing addition shelter buildings on a college or university campus.

His viewpoint showed the issue is not addressed enough to aid students.

Courtney Charles, social students curriculum and instruction supervisor with Port Arthur Independent School District, said Wiltz has shown remarkable dedication, hard work, and a commitment to excellence.

“His participation in the conference is a testament to his potential as a leader as well as his achievements,” Charles said. “In particular, he stood out for his ability to lead group discussions and encourage his peers to think critically about various issues. Likewise, he demonstrated exceptional research skills and presented well-thought-out solutions to complex problems. Furthermore, he exhibited a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, making the conference a truly enriching experience for everyone involved.”

Wiltz’ mother Yolanda Wiltz said she is happy and proud of him for his achievements.

Academically, Wiltz is in the top percentage of his class. He has two older siblings that are twins who graduated from WWEC as salutatorian and third in their class.

“It is a blessing the school district supports this program and pushing kids who may or may not have the opportunity to go to college right away to go and to flourish,” Yolanda Wiltz said.

Since Wiltz began participating in the program he has become interested in government affairs, political science and public speaking.

Public speaking was not always Wiltz’ forte. Back when he entered the first or second grade he was identified with a speech deficit. Therapy wasn‘t available until the third grade and at that time his parents were paying for the services. Later a counselor recognized the deficit and referred him to a speech pathologist.

Wiltz took speech until the seventh grade. That’s when he decided he didn’t need the services anymore, she said.

All of her children, she said, put in a lot of hard work, are self-directed, have a good foundation and are very self motivated.

“The first thing, they are our children, the second, they are students and so we place a high importance on school,” she said. “They watched me go through school and some educational goals and they were actually coaching me at that point; ‘why didn’t you do your homework sooner?”

Wiltz is a busy student. He is a member of the band and has a part time job. Then there are after school meetings for Youth and Government.

“He spends a lot of time with the things he values, grades, activities and putting money in his pocket,” she said.

Taking part in Youth and Government has affected a positive change in the incoming high school senior.

As an individual it led him to look for different perspectives and better understand others. As a student it provided hi with good public speaking skills and critical thinking, he said.

Dakarai Wiltz is the son of Yolanda Wiltz and Stephen Wiltz Sr.