Youth Governor Hugh Russell Carter urges peers to lift one another in closing address

Youth Governor Hugh Russell Carter delivered the closing address at the Washington YMCA Youth Legislature’s 70th session, congratulating delegates on their work, recognizing staff and family, and urging attendees to ‘‘build each other up’’ as they return to their communities.

Carter opened by thanking delegates for their debates, news articles and service, and acknowledged personal moments of vulnerability, saying he had ‘‘already crying and will be crying the whole way through this.’’ He told delegates that setbacks are part of learning and reminded them that participation itself is an achievement: ‘‘You still took that chance knowing that things may not go your way.’’

He recognized members of his staff and family by name and role, naming his chief of staff Eva and cabinet members Nate, Alina, Will and Axel, and asked his parents and siblings in the gallery to stand. Carter closed by asking delegates to look to the people around them and value the relationships they formed during the program: ‘‘This program doesn’t just create communities, it creates families.’’

The address was followed by applause and a transition to awards and program announcements. No formal policy votes were taken during the speech.