Cooperatives Participate in Youth Day

April 18, 2016

Shown (L-R) are: Front Row: Taylor Runquist, Courtney Butterfield, Samuel Blackledge, Rachel Adams, Grace Bartlett, Hallie Draughan, Rep. Norine Hammond, Sky Lafary, Sophie Ravenscraft, Isabella Sheldon, Sarah Cluff, Mariah Garzee, Taylor Larson and Kelly Hamm, McDonough Power Energy Services Manager. Back Row: Hannah Nelson, Allison DeVolder, Trevor Gordley, Allison Jackson, Joseph Gambrell, Marshall McDorman, Trevor Sandidge, Erbin Zejnoloski, Seth McBride, Colton Markey, Ryan Dawson, Sam Wolf and Les Fowler, McDonough Telephone Cooperative.

SPRINGFIELD – Rep. Norine Hammond met with students representing McDonough Power Cooperative and McDonough Telephone Cooperative, Inc., during the Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day on Wednesday, April 13 in Springfield. More than 225 students from around Illinois had an opportunity to visit the State Capitol, view state government in action and question their legislators on key issues. They also were invited into the office of Secretary of State Jesse White.

During lunch, Treasurer Michael Frerichs addressed students and chaperones and challenged them to take an interest in the political process and encouraged them to follow their dreams and do what interests them because life can take interesting turns and twists. Jyostna Bitra, the 2015-16 Illinois Youth Leadership Council Representative from Corn Belt Energy Corporation, spoke about her experience on the Youth to Washington tour and challenged attendees to maintain an interest in their cooperatives and the political process. While in Springfield, the students also visited the Supreme Court, Old State Capitol, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

Shown (L-R) are: Samuel Blackledge, Grace Bartlett and Allison Jackson.

Youth Day is designed to introduce young rural leaders to state government. There were 24 co-ops from across the state represented at the event.

At the end of the day the students were interviewed for the chance to participate in the Youth to Washington Tour from June 10 – 17, 2016. Those selected to represent McDonough Power Cooperative include Grace Bartlett of Rushville-Industry High School and Allison Jackson of Macomb High School. Samuel Blackledge of West Prairie High School will serve as an alternate if one of the representatives is unable to attend.