Rock Island Today

On Nov. 1, Illinois State Sen. Win Stoller (R-Germantown Hills) held his annual Youth Advisory Council, where more than 40 students from 15 high schools were invited to participate a range of events and programs.

According to Stoller's website, the students had the opportunity to hear from Stoller and a wide list of guest speakers. They also took part in a mock committee meeting, where they learned about the ins and outs of lawmaking through working to pass fake legislation.

“Today we got to see how various roles like Republican senators, Democratic senators, chairs, lobbyists and media would play in the committee process,” La Moille High School Student Brooke Lovgren said, according to Stoller's website. “I really enjoyed getting to discuss and see everyone’s different perspectives on the topics we were talking about.”

The event took place at Black Hawk East Campus in Galva and was a day-long event. Students were chosen by teachers and principals from the following schools: Annawan High School, Brimfield High School, Galesburg Christian High School, Illinois Valley Central High School, Kewanee High School, La Moille High School, Metamora Township High School, Ohio High School, Peoria Christian High School, Peoria Notre Dame High School, Peoria High School, Princeton High School, Princeville High School, Richwoods High School and ROWVA High School.

“I was incredibly impressed by this group of young kids, and it’s important that not only them, but all of us, know how our government works and operates,” Stoller posted on Facebook Nov. 9. “The students had some really good debate, they were well-researched, asked good questions and were passionate about their positions, which was very inspiring to me.”

Metamora Township High School student Tatum Pond wants to become a lawyer and was fascinated with the process.

“I think it is so important to be educated and aware of your surroundings, politics and laws that we all have to follow on a daily basis,” Annawan High School Student Olivia Goodly said, according to Stoller's website. “I believe it is important that the young are educated because they are the future.”

Stoller is a resident of Germantown Hills and was elected to the Illinois Senate in 2021. He has served on the Environment and Conservation Committee and the Senate Higher Education Committee.