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 Adams Telephone Co-Operative included students from Brown County High School: Lily Ann Blair, Samuel Miller, Reese Rigg, and Kinley Walters; Central High School: Mason Ingalls and Nathan Rossmiller; Griggsville-Perry High School: Logan Sidwell; Unity High School: Addison Bottorff, Allie Carolan, Emmaline Garman, Jonathan Lucie, Troy Miller, Grady Shaffer, and Jillian Shaffer.
Representing Adams Electric Cooperative included students from Liberty High School: Emma Cowman, Riley Fessler, Brinley Hackamack, Bailey Heller, Auston Ivers, Lucy LeBlanc, Jake Masters, Mariah Mintle, Shemaya Mixer, and Sophia Schell; Quincy Notre Dame: Roan Van Cleave; Quincy Senior High School: Hannah Arens, Amelia Knapp, Kalayla Swango, Miriam Teefey, and Lydia Zanger; Rushville-Industry High School: Liberty Jones and Dustin Norton; and Unity High School: Kasen Humke and Allison Mershon.
“As cooperatives, we’re committed not only to providing reliable service but also to investing in the next generation,” said Laura Bergman, Manager of Communications for Adams Electric 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 Jil Tracy and Representative Kyle Moore met with the students from both co-ops. In addition to meeting elected officials, the students also learned more about their cooperative’s role 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, attendees were interviewed for the chance to participate in Youth Tour, an annual trip to Washington, D.C., also sponsored by Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives. This year’s trip will be held June 15-22. Miriam Teefey and Hannah Arens will represent Adams Electric Cooperative while Jonathan Lucie and Jillian Shaffer will represent Adams Telephone Co-Operative. During the week-long trip, students will see historic sites, learn firsthand how cooperatives work, and gain valuable leadership skills. Alternates selected this year, who will join the tour if one of the winners is unable to attend, are: Lydia Zanger (AEC) and Mason Ingalls (ATC).
“From touring Washington, D.C., to learning the cooperative difference, Youth Tour is much more than a trip,” said Danielle Flesner, Digital Marketing Coordinator for Adams Telephone Co-Operative. “It’s an experience they will carry long after high school.”