South Central Reporter

High school students from Central Illinois participated in a government-focused program hosted by State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) in Springfield. The event, part of Senator McClure’s Youth Advisory Council, brought together 78 students from the 54th Senate District at the University of Illinois campus in Springfield.

“This is an opportunity to encourage students to become the next generation of leaders,” said Senator McClure. “It’s amazing to see these students explore their interest in politics and government.”

During the event, students heard from local officials including the Mayor of Springfield, the Illinois Auditor General, and a Senate Caucus spokesperson. They also took part in activities designed to teach them about government operations.

Central A & M High School student Lynna Kearney commented on her experience: “As young people, we are the future of this country. I know a lot of people don’t like to get involved with politics, but they’re the same people who are greatly affected by stuff like this, by the laws and policies put in place. This has definitely opened my eyes and helped me try to figure out how I can connect to people and put my ideas out there.”

Gillespie High School student Douglas Neverdowski said, “If we don’t understand how it works, how are we going to vote and know what we’re voting for. When you vote for a president, or even a Senator that goes to the state, that’s going to affect your county, that’s going to affect your schools, your businesses, your districts, maybe even your income tax will be affected by that.”

Students were given the chance to propose their own legislative ideas on topics such as mental health access in schools and healthier food options. In addition, they participated in a mock legislative committee hearing where they acted as legislators, lobbyists, and concerned citizens.

Effingham High School student Hollann Thoele shared her perspective: “I am stuck at a table with people I’ve never met before, and it’s really interesting to find common ground on things that we want in our society, and I find that even though we’re from all over and of different kinds, that we all want the same things.”

Springfield High School student Caiden Bietsch added: “We learned a lot about the basics of the legislative process, city level, state level, things like that, how to do bills, talk in committees, debate bills, and have good debates about other stuff. There’s a lot of adults I know that don’t even know how this works, and for us as a nation to make more informed opinions and to be able to kind of rewrite the script of agreeing with each other, or disagreeing respectfully—understanding how that process works... will overall help us in that pursuit.”

Senator McClure’s Youth Advisory Council is open to all high schools within his district. Students interested in participating next year are encouraged to speak with their principal or superintendent.

McClure was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 54th Senate District in 2023 after succeeding Sam McCann.