For more than 60 years, the electric and telephone cooperatives of Illinois have given tomorrow's leaders the opportunity to learn from today's public officials. On March 20, more than 200 students from across rural Illinois represented 25 co-ops during Youth Day, including a representative for JCE Co-op.

Youth Day gives students across the state an up-close look at democracy in action as they meet their elected representatives in Springfield. 

Noah Ponce represented JCE Co-op on Youth Day. During the day, he visited Illinois Sen. Neil Anderson's office, learned about an electric cooperative's role in the community and had the opportunity to tour the Illinois State Capital and Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

During lunch, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Natalie Phelps Finnie addressed the students. She discussed her background as a healthcare provider and how she got into politics.

Participants also met Paris Van Dyke, the 2023-24 Illinois Youth Leadership Council representative, who was sponsored by Wabash Communications in 2023.

In addition to Youth Day, Ponce was selected to participate in Youth Tour, an annual trip to Washington, D.C. sponsored by Illinois electric and telephone cooperatives. This year's trip will be held June 14-21. He will represent JCE Co-op on the weeklong trip and meet his elected officials, see historic sites, learn firsthand how cooperatives work, and gain valuable leadership skills.