AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine School of Science and Mathematics students excelled at this year’s Maine Youth in Government program, held in Augusta over the Veterans Day weekend, where they earned numerous top leadership roles such as youth governor, president of the senate, speaker of the house and state treasurer, and earning recognition for Best Bill. Of the 25 delegates that attended from Maine School of Science and Mathematics, 16 students earned leadership roles, received recognition or brought home awards for their outstanding contributions.
Mia Shaw (’26), from Presque Isle, was elected youth governor, and Elena Wirth (’26), from Portland, won Best Bill. Eva Ociepka (’25), from Belfast, served as president of the senate, with Annabelle Wainman (’25), from Kennebunkport, as secretary of the senate and Aubrey Ainsworth (’26), from Fort Fairfield, as assistant secretary. Samantha Butts (’25), from Brunswick, held the position of speaker of the house, while Quinn Daly (’25), from South Portland, chaired the Health and Human Services Committee. Ahliya Roy (’27), from Wallagrass, chaired the State and Local Government Committee, and Pipsa Pope (’25), from South Berwick, chaired Transportation and Technology. Hurst Burnett (’27), from Kennebunk, and Anne Dostie (’27), from Topsham, served as Supreme Court advocates, while Alden Hughes (’25), from Cape Elizabeth, chaired the Senate’s Transportation and Technology Committee. Phoenix Benica (’25), from Durham, was named commissioner of Education and Elliott Dooley (’25), from Blue Hill, served as state treasurer. Additionally, Mia Shaw (’26), from Presque Isle, and Elena Wirth (’26), from Portland, represented MSSM as senators while Ahliya Roy (’27), from Wallagrass, and Ace Moberly (’26), from Warren, were also selected as Supreme Court justices for next year.
Shaw reflected on the experience at the Youth in Government weekend, saying, “It was a really fun time. I was able to put myself out there and do something new. The competition was close, and I’m really excited and grateful that I won. I look forward to helping others have a great year and encouraging new participants to find their voices, just as Maine Youth in Government has helped me find mine.”
Maine Youth in Government is a unique, 3-day experience for high school students that assembles Maine’s democratic process into one seamless simulation. Students draft legislation, debate policies and build leadership roles while learning firsthand about the complexity of governance. This is an opportunity to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and constructive dialogue among peers with myriad perspectives. Youth in Government does just that, giving students hands-on experiences and preparing them with the skills to fully grapple with civic concerns, shaping Maine’s future into one with informed citizens.
Founded in 1995 in Limestone (Aroostook County), Maine School of Science and Mathematics has been a beacon of excellence in mathematics education, nurturing a community of intellectually curious students who revel in the beauty and challenge of mathematics. With a focus on fostering a culture of mathematical exploration and collaboration, MSSM empowers students to push the boundaries of their understanding while embracing the joy of mathematical discovery. MSSM is ranked the #1 Best High School in Maine by Niche.com.
