Seth Dixon of Casey County has been selected to serve as East Senior Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) Governor and on the YMCA Board of Directors (non-voting member). The KYA is a program administered by Kentucky YMCA and is a hands-on program where students take control over state government for three days. It is the nation’s largest youth in government program.

“Having the opportunity to serve as Governor and on the Board of Directors means a lot to me because so many people put their faith in me to do a good job,” said Dixon. “Just like the real Governor of Kentucky works for the people of the Commonwealth, I will be working for the people who attend the East KYA.”
Dixon was nominated as a KYA Governor candidate by Casey County’s Student YMCA. As a part of the selection process, Dixon was required to speak on four core issues that affected the state, two of which were education and the environment, and two of his choice including economy and prison reform. State Representative Jimmy Higdon worked with Dixon to help him prepare for the speech. Dixon was elected by current members of the Student YMCAs from Eastern Kentucky.

Responsibilities of KYA Governor include serving on the YMCA Board of Directors and attending as many KY YMCA events as possible. The largest event, the General Assembly, will take place this summer where participants will propose bills by various delegations that pass through the House of Representatives and Senate. Dixon will return to run the General Assembly later this year. This three-day event gives students hands-on experience dealing with government issues.

When asked what spurred his interest in government, Dixon credited the Rogers Scholars program as primary reason.

“Being a Rogers Scholar helped me to step outside my comfort zone and meet new people, which is very important in campaigning,” said Dixon. “It also gave me insight to some to the state issues I chose to speak about during my campaign.” Rogers Scholars is a youth leadership program developed and administered by The Center for Rural Development, headquartered in Somerset.
The senior KYA group consists of grades 9-12 and is divided into two state regions-East and West. Casey County attends the East regional conference.

Dixon is the son on James and Susan Dixon of Hustonville.