LTEC criminal justice students visit Illinois State Capitol, recognized on Senate floor

[April 17, 2025]  Students from the Criminal Justice class at Lincolnland Technical Education Center took a memorable trip to the Illinois State Capitol this week where they experienced state government in action and met with lawmakers shaping the future of Illinois.

During their visit, the students had the honor of meeting State Senator Sally Turner, who represents Illinois 44th District. Senator Turner took time to speak with the group about her role in the legislative process, her journey into public service, and the importance civic engagement – especially for young people considering careers in criminal justice and public safety.

The highlight of the day came when Senator Turner officially introduced the class on the Senate floor, recognizing their interest in government and criminal justice and commending them for their commitment to learning beyond the classroom.

The trip was part of an ongoing effort to expose students to careers in law, public service, and criminal justice while also deepening their understanding of how government functions at the state level.

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“This kind of hands-on experience is so valuable for students,” said Mr. Donnie Bowman, the Criminal Justice instructor. “It bridges what we talk about in class with the real-world processes that affect their communities. Meeting Senator Turner and being welcomed at the Capitol was truly inspiring for them.”

The students also had the opportunity to explore the historic Capitol building, observe legislative sessions, and engage in discussions about policy, law enforcement, and justice reform.

This Capitol visit is just one of several career-focused learning experiences planned for the year, designed to help students explore future pathways in law enforcement, legal studies, and public administration.

[Text received from Dawn Musick]

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