June 19, 2025
People
People

Local students take closer look at state government

Members of the Youth Advisory Council (from left) include Haley Ackerman, Hiawatha; Josh Lederle, Burlington Central; Misty Villagomez, Genoa-Kingston; Griffin Nelson, Sycamore; Hailey Thurlby, G-K; Ali Thahab, DeKalb; Tyler Hull, Sycamore; Clay Ward, DeKalb; Zimar Siddiqui, Central; Tom Sestak, Hinckley-Big Rock; Hank Barnes, DeKalb; Reece Lynch, H-BR; Noah Whitfield, Cornerstone; Riyana Soni, Central; Joy Ngum, DeKalb; Micah Nordmoe, Hiawatha; Kayla Taft, Hiawatha; and Pritchard. Not shown are Kate Majerus, Sycamore; Breanna Hamrick, Hiawatha; Cliffton Hansen, G-K; Henry Robinson, DeKalb; Sabrina Groce, Cornerstone; and Rachel Hodson, Emma May and Isabelle DiPiazza, all from Burlington Central. (Photo provided)

SYCAMORE – A select group of area high school juniors and seniors are meeting monthly with state Rep. Bob Pritchard, R-Hinckley, to share their views on legislation, learn about ways to influence public policy and gain a better insight into state government operations.

The 25 students who comprise Pritchard’s Youth Advisory Council were selected by their high schools to represent their student bodies and expand their social studies education. The program concludes with a two-day trip to Springfield to observe the General Assembly in action.

“The feedback I receive at these meetings is essential to helping me represent the district’s youth,” Pritchard said in a news release. “I also feel a responsibility to help students take a deeper look into the workings of local and state government and career opportunities in public service.”

Pritchard has been sponsoring the advisory council for the past 14 years.

At a recent meeting, the group discussed the roles of leadership and ethics in Illinois government. With much attention on leadership at all levels of government this year, the discussion focused on the students’ perspectives of effective leadership and ways to improve ethical behavior of public officials.

“In today’s climate, we tend to forget that effective leadership is about influencing others, mobilizing action and reaching a desired goal,” Pritchard said in the release. “Our discussion emphasized these ideas, which is important for these students who are approaching voting age and must be able to choose among candidates for office.”

At future sessions, the advisory council will discuss the merits of different bills, making priorities for a balanced budget and functions of local units of government.

To learn about Pritchard’s Youth Advisory Council, contact his district office at 815-748-3494 or Bob@PritchardStateRep.com.