On March 25, 168 students sponsored by 24 electric and telephone cooperatives across the state gathered in the Illinois State Capitol for Youth Day, an annual event designed to introduce young leaders to state government and the cooperative principles that serve their communities. Students met with elected officials, explored historic sites, and experienced the workings of state government firsthand.
Representing McDonough Power Cooperative included Timothy Todd and Meg Carson (West Prairie High School), Alex Simmons and Sydney Hamm (Macomb High School), Brady Trone and Lily Heitz (Rushville-Industry High School), and Devon Scholine (United High School).
Representing McDonough Telephone (MTC) included: Cruz Castillo and Deacon Zaehringer (Illini West), Jude Eveland and Mi-Colette Mbula (Rushville-Industry), Lillian Sheffler, West Markham (West Prairie).
“As cooperatives, we’re committed not only to providing reliable service but also to investing in the next generation,” said Kelly Hamm, energy services manager at McDonough Power Cooperative and facilitator of its youth programs. “Youth Day helps students understand the cooperative difference and the impact they can have as informed citizens.”
State Senator Neil Anderson met with the students representing McDonough Power and McDonough Telephone.
In addition to meeting elected officials, the students also learned more about their cooperatives’ roles in their own communities and had the opportunity to tour the Capitol Building and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
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, participate and become lifelong learners.
“You have found time to participate in here today by coming to Youth Day,” Frerichs said.
“You're talking to people. You are learning. And I'll tell you that learning never stops. It only stops when you decide you don't want to learn anymore. … If you decide to push yourself and become a lifelong learner, you’ll grow from it.”
Participants also met Micah Anderson, the 2025-26 Illinois Youth Leadership Council representative, who was sponsored by Adams Telephone Co-Operative during the 2025 Youth Day and Youth Tour in Washington, D.C.
He spoke of his experiences over the past year, saying that representing Illinois has been one of the most fulfilling things he’s done in his life.
“Throughout the year, I've grown in many ways that I could have never imagined,” Anderson said. “I never thought that I would be able to see myself as a leader.
I never thought that I would be confident enough to get in front of a crowd and deliver a speech.
… But here I am in front of all you today. I'm a testament to the growth that you can undergo if you take advantage of the opportunities that are placed in front of you. I challenge you all to do the same.”
At the end of the day, the attendees were interviewed for the chance to participate in AIEC’s Youth Tour and FRS’s Youth Tour, an annual trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by McDonough Power and McDonough Telephone. This year’s trip will be held in June. Meg Carson and Timothy Todd will represent McDonough Power on the weeklong AIEC trip. Brady Trone and Alex Simmons were also selected as alternates. Deacon Zaehringer and Lilly Sheffler will represent McDonough Telephone on the weeklong FRS trip, with West Markham as the alternate. They’ll have the opportunity to meet their elected officials, see historic sites, learn firsthand how cooperatives work and gain valuable leadership skills.
“From touring Washington, D.C., to learning the cooperative difference, Youth Tour is much more than a trip,” said Rachel Kerns, MTC’s Director of Marketing. “It’s an experience they will carry long after high school.”
