Students from Mendon, Mount Sterling among participants in Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council

SPRINGFIELD – Thirty-three students from eight high schools in west central Illinois came to Springfield on Tuesday, April 29, to experience the workings of state government as part of State Sen. Jil Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council.

The students were recommended by officials from their respective schools to participate in the program. They traveled to Springfield with chaperones from high schools in Virginia, White Hall, Bunker Hill, Mendon, Winchester, Calhoun, Jacksonville and Mount Sterling.

“These outstanding young people came to Springfield to get a hands-on view of state government and learn a lot more about what is involved in the lawmaking process,” Tracy (R-Quincy) said in a press release. “The activities planned for the Youth Advisory Council complement teacher and textbook learning because the students are part of the process that they have learned about in their classrooms.”

The students first met with Tracy, Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, Rep. Kyle Moore and other legislative officials in the Senate and in the House of Representatives. After the students participated in a Snap the Capitol Photo Challenge, they heard a presentation from Alec Laird of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

Students then took on the roles of lawmakers, concerned citizens, lobbyists and reporters in a mock committee hearing to debate and vote on Senate Bill 2049, a measure that gives owners and tenants of farmland the right to hunt specified wildlife animals or birds on their lands and waters without procuring hunting licenses year-round. After hearing testimony from the students serving as lobbyists and concerned citizens, the students serving as lawmakers voted on the issue.

“It’s interesting to watch these young people accept a specific task in the lawmaking process. They discuss and debate an issue, listen to the input of other stakeholders – proponents and opponents of the issue – then work together to determine the outcome of the legislation,” Tracy said. “They learn skills that will serve them well as they continue to develop into the future leaders of our communities, our state and our nation.”

Participating students said the event gave them insight into government and professional development skills like public speaking and networking with other students.

Troy DeFrates of Jacksonville High School, who portrayed a reporter, said he enjoyed learning more about the state lawmaking process.

“I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain a better understanding about what I have been learning in class. I think it is important because as we get older, we get more involved in what the government is doing. If we know more about the process, it’s better for the country,” DeFrates said. 

Sadie Shoemaker of Unity High School in Mendon, who portrayed a senator, said the event expanded her perspective about the role of young people in government.

“I love using my voice,” she said. “I think that everyone should, and this is just a great opportunity to do so. This taught me that speaking out will make a difference. Our group is going to be taking charge sooner or later, and we should get involved and know how it all works.”

Brennan Fulton of Bunker Hill High School, who portrayed a citizen proponent, said he learned “there are so many cool things” about state government. 

“We toured the Senate, we toured the House of Representatives, and it was mind-blowing. There is so much that goes on that we don’t realize,” Fulton said. “It’s very important that we know more about what’s going on. It gives us different points of view if we learn from the people who have actually done it.”

For more information about Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council, contact her district office at 217-223-0833.