SPRINGFIELD – For more than 60 years, the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois have given tomorrow’s leaders the opportunity to learn from today’s public officials. On March 5, approximately 200 high school students from across rural Illinois represented 22 co-ops during Youth Day, including 7 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,” said 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.”
In addition to meeting elected officials, the students also learned more about their electric or telephone cooperative’s role in their own communities and had the opportunity to tour the Capitol Building and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
Representative Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) met with the students representing Norris Electric Cooperative. These students included: Owen Ulm, Ryan Spiker and Cameron Newkirk, Newton Community High School; Eva Mette and Anna Probst, Teutopolis High School; and Morgan Mays and Brayden Schnarre of Altamont High School.
Participants also met Paris Van Dyke, the 2023-24 Illinois Youth Leadership Council representative, who was sponsored by Wabash Communications CO-OP during the 2023 Youth Day and Youth Tour in Washington, D.C. She spoke about her experiences representing Illinois’ electric and telephone cooperatives.
“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 the end of the day, attendees were interviewed for the chance to participate in Youth Tour, an annual trip to Washington, D.C., also sponsored by Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives. This year’s trip will be held June 16-23. Owen Ulm, Anna Probst, and Eva Mette will represent Norris Electric Cooperative on the weeklong trip and meet their elected officials, see historic sites, learn firsthand how cooperatives work and gain valuable leadership skills.