"The Legacy of an Esteemed Leader" By: Michael Powell

Mark Mingee, President of the Board of Directors for YMCA, began his journey at the Model General Assembly, or MGA, in 1997 as a Senator. He has continued to serve, giving students the wonderful opportunity to nurture their desire to think critically about politics and the world’s important issues as they relate to the Commonwealth of Virginia. Years after his attendance at MGA, he reconnected to the assembly through four students he was coaching in baseball. The students asked Mingee if he would chaperone them in their attendance to the assembly over spring break, and Mingee happily accepted their offer. During his first time back, he was asked to be an advisor for MGA, which opened a door to many opportunities for Mingee to serve with humble influence. Through his dedication to the YMCA, he climbed the ranks to become the President of the Board of Directors. Now at the 71^st annual Model General Assembly, Mark Mingee is serving his final term as President.

Asking Mingee to reflect on his over 20-year journey at MGA, he recognizes that his greatest achievement is seeing the youth that he has invested in over the years return and continue to pursue their passions at MGA. He understands that there have been many other people before him who have laid the groundwork for the youth, but he is glad that he is giving back to those who have laid out his path to leadership and continuing this legacy through his service. Though Mingee’s time as president is coming to a close, his influence at MGA is here to stay as he will continue to give to the youth as a member of the board.