Quincy Reporter

Thirty-three students from eight high schools in west central Illinois visited Springfield on April 29 as part of State Senator Jil Tracy's Youth Advisory Council. The students, chosen by their schools, aimed to gain firsthand experience of state government operations. They were accompanied by chaperones from high schools in Virginia, North Greene, Bunker Hill, Unity, Winchester, Calhoun, Jacksonville, and Brown County districts.

"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," stated Tracy (R-Quincy). "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 day included meetings with Senator Tracy, State Representatives C.D. Davidsmeyer, Kyle Moore, and other legislative officials. The students engaged in the Snap the Capitol Photo Challenge and attended a presentation by Alec Laird of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association.

In a mock committee hearing, students took on roles as lawmakers, citizens, lobbyists, and reporters to discuss and vote on Senate Bill 2049. This bill would allow owners and tenants of farmland to hunt specified wildlife without a license year-round. "It’s interesting to watch these young people accept a specific task in the lawmaking process," said Tracy. "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."

Participants expressed that the event gave them valuable insights into government and professional development skills such as public speaking and networking. Troy DeFrates from Jacksonville High School, involved as a reporter, commented, "I thought it would be a good opportunity to gain a better understanding about what I have been learning in class."

Sadie Shoemaker from Unity High School, acting as a Senator, stated, "This taught me that speaking out will make a difference."

Brennan Fulton from Bunker Hill High School conveyed his realization of the complexities within state government, saying, "It gives us different points of view if we learn from the people who have actually done it."

For further information on Senator Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council, interested parties can contact her district office at 217-223-0833.