Southern Illinois News

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) recently hosted the Youth Advisory Council on March 15, an annual event designed to provide local high school students with a first-hand opportunity to learn about the government, according to a press release.

Dozens of students from across the 59th Senate District participated in the virtual event to learn about leadership, state government, and public policy. Students who attended the event were selected based on recommendations from area administrators and local educators

"This is one of my favorite events to host each year, bringing together students to engage with one another and providing a platform for them to get involved and learn more about state government and leadership," Fowler said in a Facebook post, "While hosting it virtually makes the event look different, it didn't take away from the passion, interests and enthusiasm our students have for learning about government and how they can become leaders in their communities."

 During the event, students were asked to take part in a virtual panel discussion about careers and education in the area and the main challenges they face in the search.

Before the pandemic, students visited the Capitol to experience the legislative period in person and to take part in a mock hearing of the Senate committee.

Fowler also invited community leaders and government officials to speak with students, including Jeff McGoy of Southern Illinois University; Dale Righter, chief of staff of the Senate Republican Caucus;  Colleen Callahan, director of the Department of Natural Resources, and Patrick Barry, a lobbyist for Phelps Barry & Associates.