This spring, four students from Monticello High School were a part of State Senator Sally Turner's Youth Advisory Council.

Each year, the program welcomes dozens of high school students from across the Lincoln Republican's 44th Senate District to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to learn more about the state’s legislative process. Monticello junior Matt Swartz says his principal, Mr. Travis Courson encouraged him to give this program a try.

Sages junior Eli Craft was a part of this experience and indicates there was a proposed bill the students had that they had to argue for or against. Like Swartz, Craft was approached by Mr. Courson.

Junior Catie Swartz says this was a great experience because all the students were put in a room together and had to figure things out. Junior Ashley Stiverson explains they were active in their government class and their teachers approached them about the opportunity.

Matt Swartz says it was intimidating because there were really smart kids in the room but he still really enjoyed the experience.

Craft also felt it was somewhat intimidating but says he learned a lot about communication and hearing about the viewpoints of other people.

For Stiverson, she enjoyed meeting a lot of new people and hearing their perspectives.

Catie Swartz did not know what to expect in the process but enjoyed touring the State Capitol and hearing from other students during the process.

The Swartz's are twins and Matt says it was fun to participate in that with her.

Sen. Turner’s Youth Advisory Council allows local high school students to learn more about government through two meetings held each school year. During the fall meeting, students heard from local leaders and had the opportunity to propose ideas for new legislation. This year, students put forward a proposal meant to require schools to offer healthier and more nutritious food options.

During the spring meeting, students took on the various roles involved in the legislative process for a mock committee hearing in an actual Senate committee room at the Capitol Complex. The students had the opportunity to serve as concerned citizens and lobbyists who advocated for and against the proposal, reporters who covered the committee hearing, and lawmakers who discussed and voted on the proposal legislation.