Teachers from across the state have commented on the importance Youth Government Day has played in helping motivate and teach students about careers in government and about the critical need for civic engagement beginning at a young age.
One such teacher is Paul Hanrahan, the Johnsburg High School student council advisor. He has made the more than six hour trip from near the Wisconsin border several different years because he feels Youth Government Day is a quality program with an important mission. Following his participation one year he wrote: "The students left the conference with a new sense of the importance and dignity of public service. I would not be at all surprised if future leaders in state and national government include your youth leadership conference as a formative and influential event in their lives."
"I like that all the activities were held at the capitol and moving
from one location to another every 45 minutes or so helped break up
the day just a wee bit and allowed the kids to get moving." Terry
Trader, Hillsboro teacher
In 1999, Tiffany Knoebel, then a 16-year old Waterloo High School student, wrote: "Before this session, I hadn't known what I wanted to do after high school. However, since leaving SIUC that day, I now have a better idea of what field I want to go into --government."
2010 Student Testimonials
"My experience was great! I learned a lot of information about
politics that I never knew. I plan to come again next year." Kymmetria Burris
"It was an amazing experience, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to
come and gain knowledge on how I can make a change!" Tania Neri
"I want to be a Senator after this trip. Thank you very much." Germusha Little
"I would like to commend everyone in charge and who organized this
day. Also, I would very much like to thank the speakers and Governor
for giving their time to speak." Chaninda Mustapha
Events 
