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 “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.
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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.
[Marcus J. Durrett
Senior Communications Strategist
Communications and Public Affairs
Illinois Senate Republican Staff]
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