East Central Reporter

For over six decades, Illinois' electric and telephone cooperatives have provided a platform for young leaders to engage with public officials. On March 5, approximately 200 high school students from rural Illinois took part in Youth Day, representing 22 cooperatives, including seven participants from Norris Electric Cooperative.

Brooke Gross, member services manager at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives and facilitator of its youth programs, highlighted the event's importance: “Youth Day offers students from across the state a firsthand experience of democracy in action as they engage with their elected representatives in Springfield.” She added that it allows state senators and representatives to inspire future leaders.

During the event, students learned about their cooperative's role in their communities and toured the Capitol Building and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Representative Adam Niemerg and State Senator Steve McClure guided them through legislative chambers.

The participating students were Owen Ulm, Ryan Spiker, Cameron Newkirk from Newton Community High School; Eva Mette and Anna Probst from Teutopolis High School; and Morgan Mays and Brayden Schnarre from Altamont High School.

Paris Van Dyke, who was sponsored by Wabash Communications CO-OP as the 2023-24 Illinois Youth Leadership Council representative during last year's Youth Day and Youth Tour in Washington D.C., shared her experiences. She said, “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for this experience two years ago... Be proud of yourself for sitting in the chairs that you are in today.”

Rep. Niemerg showed students his office at the Stratton Building, led them on an underground tour to the Capitol, pointed out notable sites like the Blue Room used for press conferences, and discussed some historical aspects of the Capitol.

The day concluded with interviews for a chance to join the Youth Tour trip to Washington D.C., scheduled for June 16-23. Owen Ulm, Anna Probst, and Eva Mette will represent Norris Electric Cooperative on this weeklong journey to meet officials, explore historic sites, understand cooperative functions better, and enhance leadership skills.