Published on March 31, 2026 11:09 am
Last Updated on March 31, 2026 11:09 am
(STUDENTS REPRESENTING SHELBY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE W/ST. SEN. STEVE McCLURE ON YOUTH DAY)
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 Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) included Haley Key (Shelbyville), Jack Clark (Shelbyville), Kooper Cole (Tower Hill), Lilly Jostes (Pana), Grady Spannagel (Stewardson), Shae Conder (Stewardson), Hezekiah Wiegand (Findlay), and Elizabeth Hampton (Windsor).
“As cooperatives, we’re committed not only to providing reliable service but also to investing in the next generation,” said Faith Wheeler, who coordinates youth programs at SEC. “Youth Day helps students understand the cooperative difference and the impact they can have as informed citizens.”
State Senator Steve McClure met with the students representing SEC.
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.”
(SHELBY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE REPRESENTATIVES ELIZABETH HAMPTON OF WINDSOR AND SHAE CONDER OF STEWARDSON AT YOUTH DAY)
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. Shae Conder and Elizabeth Hampton will represent SEC 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 Wheeler. “It’s an experience they will carry long after high school.”
Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) is a member of Touchstone Energy — a national alliance of local, consumer-owned electric cooperatives providing high standards of service to members. SEC is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 10,200 meters over 2,222 miles of line in parts of Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Sangamon and Shelby counties. For more information visit shelbyelectric.coop.
