Hinsdale South Students Attend Annual Youth Advisory Council

DARIEN, IL — On Nov. 8, State Sen. John Curran welcomed a number of high school students from across the 41st Senate District to his annual Youth Advisory Council. According to Curran's office, the council provides a hands-on opportunity for area students to learn about and experience state government and public policy.

“The high school students attending this Youth Advisory are future leaders with strong opinions, thoughts and ideas. For the second year in a row, I’m impressed by just how thoughtful and informed their voices are when it comes to the issues facing our state,” Curran said in a release. “I’m hopeful that this event serves to motivate and encourage students to continue to be involved, take on leadership roles and be active in their communities.”

Curran hosted his all-day Youth Advisory Council at the Downers Grove Public Library. Students are from Hinsdale South High School, Lyons Township High School, Downers Grove South High School, Downers Grove North High School, Chesterton Academy of The Holy Family and Lemont High School.

According to a release, Curran invited local leaders in the community to speak to the students, including: Alison Howlett Walters, Executive Director at Chicago Laborers District Council, Labor-Management Cooperation Committee; State Representative-elect and current DuPage County Board member Amy Grant; and Dr. Darlene J. Ruscitti, Regional Superintendent, DuPage Regional Office of Education. Curran also spoke about his experience as an Assistant State’s Attorney and his time in the Illinois Senate.

Afterwards, students spent time in small groups discussing and debating policy issues important to them and how any new proposal could face challenges or become successful legislation.

“It’s just showing me that how I, myself, can have a powerful impact in my community,” said Ugonna Nwakudu from Hinsdale South High School.

“I wanted to do it because I have considered a political science route. I feel like politics is very interesting,” said Brendan Daugherty from Lemont High School. “I kind of wanted to see different perspectives from people who are actually in the business, how they do their job, why they went into it, what is the path they took and different perspectives on other issues.”

Curran’s Youth Advisory Council is a two-part experience. Students will meet with Curran again in the spring where they will participate in a mock committee hearing.

Photos provided by Sen. Curran's office.