State Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Springfield) recently conducted a Zoom meeting with 64 high school juniors and seniors from the 26th Senate District for the 2021-2022 Youth Advisory Council, according to a press release on McConchie’s official website.
During the first week of December, students from Adlai E. Stevenson, Barrington, Carmel Catholic, Dundee Crown, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Mundelein, and Wauconda took part in the two-hour online event.
“It was a pleasure to host this bright and engaging group of students,” said McConchie. “While I wish we could have met face-to-face, our online advisory council provided for a productive exchange of ideas.”
Among the presenters during the virtual event were WTTW political reporter Amanda Vinicky of Chicago, who discussed her role covering the legislature.
Debby Sosine, President of Algonquin Village, also discussed her journey to a career in local government.
“Students learned about possible careers in public service and the value of being engaged in the process,” McConchie continued. “This was a sharp group of future leaders.”
Additionally, students heard from lobbyist and former state senator Pamela Althoff, who offered personal insights about her time as a politician and transition to lobbying.
“I believe many individuals learn too late in their life how impactful local, state, and federal politics can be, and having sessions like the youth council help enlighten students to the actions they can take,” Barrington High School junior Julia Tallungan stated, according to the release. “It is also inspiring to have adults who want to pass on their knowledge and work with students.”
In the spring of 2022, the students will rejoin McConchie for a policy proposal and stage a mock hearing and bill discussion to practice the legislative process.
The Youth Advisory Council was established earlier this year with the passage of Senate Bill 2142 on Jan. 13 with the goal of fostering communication between the State of Illinois’ youth and the elected branches of state government.
