Future leaders meet state officials during Youth Day
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 8 from Wabash Communications CO-OP.
“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 and 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.
State Senators Jason Plummer and Steve McClure and Representatives Adam Niemerg and Blaine Wilhour met with the students representing Wabash Communications CO-OP. These students included: Faith Jones, Alaina Worland, Karsyn Gaddy, Anna Fredrick, Peyton Blackwell, Rhiannon Redenbo, Lance Weidner, and Draven Taylor.
During lunch, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs addressed the students. He shared his journey from a small town in Illinois to his current role, emphasizing the importance of finding interesting and challenging opportunities. He encouraged students to pursue their passions and take risks.
“When you push yourself outside your comfort zone, it’s uncomfortable at first, but you learn a lot,” Frerichs said. “I’m guessing this is a room of people who want to do big things.”
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. Alaina Worland and Draven Taylor will represent Wabash Communications CO-OP on the weeklong trip and meet their elected officials, see historic sites, learn firsthand how cooperatives work and gain valuable leadership skills.
