State Senator Erica Harriss welcomed more than 50 high school students and educators to Springfield this month as part of her Spring Youth Advisory Council (YAC).
“Each year, students from high schools throughout the district are nominated by their schools to visit Springfield and get an up-close look at how state government operates,” said Senator Harriss. “This is one of my favorite events because it helps empower the next generation by giving them firsthand experience with the legislative process.”
Senator Harriss’ YAC is a two-part series. High school students came together in the 56th District in the fall at Lewis and Clark Community College to draft bill ideas to debate during the spring council.
“I was interested in learning more about our Capitol, our state, and the Illinois State Senate. I think it is really important for people in my age group to understand what is going on behind the scenes,” said Mayonna Jaggie of East Alton–Wood River High School. “I think it is amazing that someone in the position of an Illinois State Senator is having conversations with students my age from all around the counties. It is really nice to see that they are interested in everyone’s voice and perspective.”
During the Spring YAC, students were assigned different legislative roles such as citizen proponent/opponent, lobbyist proponent/opponent, Democrat/Republican lawmakers, and press/media to debate their proposed legislation in a mock committee hearing.
“I am really interested in policymaking and the legal system, and eventually I want to be a lawyer. I really like politics and want to make a change in the world,” said Hannah Kypra of O’Fallon Township High School. “I am definitely going to take away communication skills, public speaking skills, and debate skills. It is fascinating to see how everything looks and works. It’s really great for learning how government works and how laws are made and passed.”
Students also had the opportunity to hear from Illinois Supreme Court Judge David Overstreet. This year, Senator Harriss held a Capture the Capitol photo contest, which allowed students the chance to roam the Capitol and get creative with their photography skills.
“I felt that this really gave me insight into how politics works—how I am able to see how things are implemented into laws and how laws are created,” said Anthony Adams of Madison Senior High School. “I really enjoyed seeing both the Senate Floor and the House of Representatives Floor and how they operate.”
“I think it is extremely important for people our age to understand our government and get involved, because we are the future of America,” said Macy Hart of Roxana Senior High School. “If we want change, it is up to us to get involved and get out there.”
Refreshments and lunch for the Youth Advisory Council were provided by Meridian Health Plan of Illinois.
