State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) welcomed an estimated 70 high school students from 14 schools to Mtn Dew Park in Marion on October 30 as part of his annual Student Advisory Council.
“I look forward to hosting this event every year and bringing students from all over the 59th Senate District together for a conversation on state government, leadership and the importance of having a voice,” said Sen. Fowler. “I’m always so impressed by the students and their willingness and desire to be involved, learn more, and embrace the idea of being future leaders in their communities.”
Sen. Fowler’s Student Advisory Council is a hands-on experience designed to teach local area students about public policy, state government, and leadership. Each high school within the 59th Senate District nominates high school students who have shown an interest in government and public service.
Addi Lawler from Marion High School said, “I wanted to participate because it seemed like a fun thing to do.” She added, “I feel like the younger generation is kind of brushed off a lot … but I feel like we should have a bigger voice because we are growing up and we are seeing the effects of not having a voice.”
When asked why she wanted to participate, Briley McBride from Vienna High School said, “We’re able to hear from great speakers who bring a lot of insight from our community.” She added, “This has made me think about politics a lot more.”
In the morning, students heard from successful community leaders, including Russell Williams, Founding Director of EThOs at the Citadel; TW Norman, Lead Pastor Little Chapel Church; and Rodney Cabaness, Owner of Black Diamond. Students then broke into groups, where they were asked to work together to develop ideas for possible new state legislation to present to the full Student Advisory Council.
Miana Tarver from Carbondale Community High School noted, “We are the future. It doesn’t matter how young we are. One day we’re going to be as old as our parents or grandparents. We’re going to be the government. We’re going to be all these things. It’s good to form your opinion now and let it grow in the future.”
When asked how this event has helped him, Cooper Guetersloh from Crab Orchard High School said, “It has helped me be able to talk to people more. It has helped me figure out the world more honestly.” He also added, “I think it’s important because we are the future of the government and our country. So, I feel like it’s important for us to know so we can actually help the country.”
Sen. Fowler spent time during the group discussion with each small group, helping students with their proposals and offering advice on how they could advocate for their issues. When the students presented their ideas, Sen. Fowler helped spur further debate by facilitating questions to the groups about their legislation.
Zykies Roberson from Cairo High School, a first-year participant in Sen. Fowler’s Student Advisory Council, said, “It’s been a good learning experience and it’s good for people to get out of their comfort zone. I like the energy and the overall vibe.”
The students voted to choose one of the proposals to take up in a mock committee hearing at their next meeting, which will be held in the spring at the State Capitol.