East Central Reporter

For over six decades, Illinois' electric and telephone cooperatives have provided young leaders with the chance to engage with public officials. On March 5, around 200 high school students from rural Illinois, representing 22 cooperatives, participated in Youth Day. Among them were seven students from Norris Electric Cooperative.

“Youth Day offers students from across the state a firsthand experience of democracy in action as they engage with their elected representatives in Springfield,” stated Brooke Gross, member services manager at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives and facilitator of its youth programs. “This annual event provides state senators and representatives a chance to inspire and support the next generation of leaders.”

The students also explored their cooperatives' roles within their communities and toured significant sites like the Capitol Building and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Representative Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) engaged with Norris Electric Cooperative's student representatives: Owen Ulm, Ryan Spiker, Cameron Newkirk from Newton Community High School; Eva Mette and Anna Probst from Teutopolis High School; Morgan Mays and Brayden Schnarre from Altamont High School.

Participants met Paris Van Dyke, the 2023-24 Illinois Youth Leadership Council representative sponsored by Wabash Communications CO-OP during previous events. She shared her experiences: “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for this experience two years ago because I really got out of my box and decided to try something new,” Van Dyke said. “Be proud of yourself for sitting in the chairs that you are in today because you have an opportunity that not very many students get. So, take advantage of that, and just remember to say yes to the opportunities that come your way.”

At day's end, attendees were interviewed for a chance to join Youth Tour—a trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Illinois cooperatives. This year's tour is scheduled for June 16-23. Owen Ulm, Anna Probst, and Eva Mette will represent Norris Electric Cooperative on this weeklong journey.