On March 25, 2026, 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.
Students representing Wayne-White Electric Cooperative included Kami James and Reece Whitley of Carmi-White County High School, Mikkie Hearle and Ryan Strange of Cisne High School, Ava Isle of Fairfield Community High School, Macie McArthy and Jalynn Phillips of Norris City-Omaha-Enfield High School, and Emma Griswold and Alayna White of Wayne City High School.
“As cooperatives, we are committed not only to providing reliable service but also to investing in the next generation,” said Brooke Gross, Member Services Manager at the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives 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 Terri Bryant and Representatives Dave Severin and Patrick Windhorst met with the students representing Wayne-White Electric. The students ran into Representative Severin by happenstance when he stepped onto their elevator in the Stratton Office Building, and was gracious enough to take them to his office to chat.
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 the 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 Cooperative 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 has 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.”
In addition to Youth Day, Jalynn Phillips and Reece Whitley were also selected to participate in Youth Tour, an annual trip to Washington, D.C., sponsored by Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives. This year’s trip will be held on June 15-22. They will represent Wayne-White Electric Cooperative on the weeklong trip to 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 Gross. “It’s an experience they will carry long after high school.”