Cooperstown Central School junior Chloe Strange spent a week in early February learning firsthand how one branch of government functions during a session of the National Young Leaders Conference.

Strange spent the week in Washington D.C. learning how bills weave their way through Congress during a mock session in which students were divided into groups and assigned to get a bill passed through a model Congress.

"We actually got to simulate what happens," Strange said. "When you read it out of a book, you don't really understand it. But when you actually do it, you understand it a lot better."

Strange was put in a Republican caucus seeking to pass a bill that would revise a law regarding financial aid for secondary education to violent criminals. Her bill sought to expand the availability of aid to violent criminals and drug offenders.

She said her bill was approved by all three committees and garnered bipartisan support when it was put before the entire Model Congress at the end of the session and was the only bill that did not have a rebuttal from the Democrats.

All five days were spent hearing speeches on current events, visiting the capital's monuments and museums and working on the bill, Strange said. She said typically they got up at 5:30 a.m. and weren't finished for the day until 11:30 p.m.

Participants came from all across the country, Strange said, and she enjoyed hearing the different accents and getting to know the different people. She said the people were her favorite part about the experience, although learning more about how government works is important.

Strange said she didn't receive credit for any classes from the trip, but went to further her own knowledge on the issue.

"I don't know if I want to go into government per se, but it's good to know how it works," she said. She said she has already recommended a few of her peers attend if they can.

Marc Kingsley, owner of the Inn at Cooperstown, one of the businesses which sponsored and helped fund Strange's trip, said it's important to encourage leadership among our nation's youth.

"I think the program is great. Anytime we can promote leadership in our youth it's important to do so," he said. "That seems to be lacking today."

Kingsley said the Inn at Cooperstown helped pay for part of the approximately $1,500 fee to take part in the conference after Strange sent out a letter seeking help with the funding. He said he hoped more students take advantage of opportunities like this and not be put off by lack of funds as there are people and businesses out there willing to help offset the costs for educational experiences like this.

In return for their sponsorship, Strange was asked to speak briefly with the staff of the Inn at Cooperstown in mid-March. Strange explained the program and described her experience, which she said she enjoyed.

Strange told the staff she had learned a lot about how bills were passed and said her experience helped her become more comfortable with public speaking.

"It was fun and you learned some stuff," Kingsley said. "That's a good combination."