Students participate in YAC

Students participating in Senator Balkema's Youth Advisory Council (photo provided).

Local students from Prairie Central were among those participating in State Senator Chris Balkema’s Youth Advisory Council, giving students a firsthand look at state government operations.

The program allows direct engagement in the legislative process through a hands-on simulation. Participants filled roles such as legislators, advocates, media and concerned citizens as they debated a bill focused on ensuring clean drinking water in schools – a topic that resonated deeply with students and sparked thoughtful discussion.

“Even if you do not have a position of high authority in your state’s politics, you can still make a difference,” said Addison Huber from Prairie Central High School. “The state officials always seem far away at first, especially when you are younger they seem too busy that you can’t talk to them, but it is really cool to come and learn that they have offices close to us and they want to hear from us.”

According to Balkema, the YAC is about more than learning government, it’s about empowering the next generation of leaders.

“These students brought passion and great ideas to the table,” said Balkema.

PCHS students participating included Huber, Abigail Bachtold, Isabelle Buchenau and Kaylee Skaggs. They traveled with Mr. Quin and Mr. Wolf to participate. The PC group won the “Capitol Photo Contest” in which the team’s best photo was printed and will be hung in the senator’s office.

Balkema’s Youth Advisory Council is held each school year and open to high school students in the 53rd Senate District. Those interested in future opportunities are encouraged to reach out to the senator’s district office.