Kane County Reporter

Sen. Dan McConchie (R-Lake Zurich) recently held a virtual gathering of the Youth Advisory Council with high school juniors and seniors.

McConchie said that it was an honor to host the students and engage students in possible careers in public service.

“It was a pleasure to host this bright and engaging group of students,” McConchie posted on his website. “While I wish we could have met face-to-face, our online advisory council provided for a productive exchange of ideas. Students learned about possible careers in public service and the value of being engaged in the process. This was a sharp group of future leaders.”

According to McConchie's website, students from Adlai E. Stevenson, Barrington, Carmel Catholic, Dundee Crown, Lake Zurich, Libertyville, Mundelein and Wauconda were a part of  the two-hour virtual event.

The Youth Advisory Council was created with the passage of SB 2142.

Barrington High School junior Julia Tallungan said that it was critical for students to learn how the civil process works and hoped to obtain as much knowledge as she could.

“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,” Tallungan said. “It is also inspiring to have adults who want to pass on their knowledge and work with students.”  

The students are set to join McConchie next spring to examine a policy proposal, along with having a mock hearing and bill debate to mimic the steps in the legislative process.

“Guest speakers included Chicago’s WTTW political reporter Amanda Vinicky, who spoke about her role covering the legislature, and Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine, who talked about the path that led her to a public service career in local government. Students also heard from lobbyist and former state Sen. Pamela Althoff, who shared personal stories about her experience as a legislator and the transition to becoming a lobbyist.