High school students from across the district joined State Senator Darby Hills (R-Barrington Hills) yesterday at the Ela Area Public Library for her annual Youth Advisory Council, a hands-on program designed to help young people learn about the legislative process, explore public service, and develop leadership skills.
“These students are the future of Illinois, and it is important that we give our young people opportunities to learn, lead, and grow,” said Senator Hills. “Their ideas, experiences, and questions bring a fresh perspective to the work we do in Springfield. Programs like this help students build confidence in their voice, while helping me better understand how to represent them in the State Senate.”
The day began with three guest speakers: GiGi Gianni of GiGi’s Playhouse, Libertyville Mayor Donna Johnson, and former State Representative Kent Gaffney, who shared their experiences and offered insight into leadership and government.
Following the morning panel, students worked in small groups to craft their own pieces of legislation. Each team drafted a bill, presented it to the full council, and participated in a final vote to select this year’s winning proposal. The top bill focused on increasing restrictions on underage betting, an issue students identified as a growing concern among their peers. At the Youth Advisory Council in the spring, Senator Hills will work with the students to explore their proposal further, where it will be developed and debated in more detail.
Throughout the day, students shared why participating in the Youth Advisory Council is meaningful to them.
Anya Hong, a student from Stevenson High School, said, “I’m here because I really want to learn about the legislative process. Over the summer, I interned for Senator Hills, and that was a really great opportunity. I got to see firsthand how she impacts our community and the different things that she does. Over the summer, I additionally worked on a Senate resolution with her. So through that, I got to be really hands-on in the legislative process, as well as see how different things work, what issues are important to our community, and why we advocate for them. And then today, I got to see firsthand what the legislative process looks like from both a mayoral and a legislative standpoint. So it’s been super fun and really interesting.”
Elijah Falat, a homeschool student, added, “As a homeschooler, sometimes it’s more difficult to learn about certain things if you’re not invited to as many of these events, so it’s a pleasure and an honor to be here.”
Omantas Bubenas, a student from Lake Zurich High School, shared, “I’m honored to attend this Youth Advisory Council because legislation and policy have always interested me. How are our laws made, and why do things happen the way they do? This Youth Advisory Council, not only do I get to part my voice in playing that role of influence, but I also get to actually meet the people that make those decisions and can impact that change, and I can learn from them and implement that in my own life.”
Senator Hills said she is grateful for the opportunity to host the Youth Advisory Council each year, emphasizing the importance of giving students meaningful opportunities to explore civic engagement.
To watch a video highlighting the Youth Advisory Council, click here.
If you are interested in participating in a future Youth Advisory Council with Senator Hills, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Kim Johnson at kjohnson@sgop.ilga.gov.