State Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) welcomed around 30 high school students from 7 schools to Heartland Community College on October 29 as part of her annual Youth Advisory Council.
“I hope students take away from this experience that the legislature is made up of people just like them, and that they too can aspire to serve in that position,” said Senator Turner. “One day, they will be the ones leading our country, and it’s important they know they have both the ability and knowledge to do so successfully.”
Sen. Turner’s Youth Advisory Council is a hands-on experience designed to teach local area students about public policy, state government, and leadership. Each high school within the 44th Senate District nominates high school students who have shown an interest in government and public service.
“I think this event was a great opportunity for me because I’m considering going into something with the government after I graduate college,” said Morton High School Student Tamaria Sims. “It has given me a chance to learn more about our government and some specific skills that could help me.”
“I didn’t know what to expect when I got here, but growing up, you hear your parents talk about the Senator or Governor as a prized position and you don’t think of them as actual people,” said Blue Ridge High School Student Maddison Grider. “However, being here, I got to see that they are just normal human beings. That they are just like everyone else.”
In the morning students heard from successful community leaders, including Heartland Community College President Keith Cornille, Illinois State Board of Elections Member Cris Cray, and McLean County State’s Attorney Erika Reynolds. Students then broke into groups, where they were asked to work together to develop ideas for possible new state legislation to present to the full Youth Advisory Council.
Sen. Turner spent time during the group discussion with each small group, helping students with their proposals and offering advice on how they could advocate for their issues. When the students presented their ideas, Sen. Turner helped spur further debate by asking the groups questions about their legislation.
“I’ve learned it’s important to make your voice heard, even if you are just a high school student,” said Monticello High School Student Megan Allen. “If you have something you care about, it’s okay to bring it up to your state senator. We have a voice, and it’s just about how much you use it.”
“This event was informative and fun,” said Lincoln Community High School Student Parker Graue. “It’s a comfortable environment to kind of get out of my shell and interact with new people. I’d recommend it to more students because it’s been awesome.”
The students voted to choose one of the proposals to take up in a mock committee hearing at their next meeting, which will be held in the spring at the State Capitol.
