By Karlee Thompson
Lamp staff
SPRINGFIELD — Lincoln Land students were among a group of college students who took over the Illinois statehouse on March 2 to 5.
John Vinzant, political science professor, and several students from the model Illinois government class attended a simulation at the Illinois state capitol.
Students picked their political party and then they picked whether they wanted to be a part of the House or the Senate. They then split up into committees led by spokespersons.
“Session consisted of a Senate debate between the democrats who were the majority and the republicans who were the minority,” said Dustin Bumgardner, a student in the Model Illinois Government course.
Bumgardner was a member of Committee One “Education and Family Services”, and also a spokesperson for the Republican’s in his committee.
“I learned that the Senate gave students more talking time about political issues,” said Kourtney McAllister, also a Senate Republican.
This experience offers hands-on, interactive experience for students to learn about the way government functions. Those participating or wishing to participate don’t necessarily have to be thinking about pursuing a career in politics.
“As a political official, you cannot be afraid of opposition, and you have to have thick skin. I felt like during the simulation I was very passionate about my views, while still presenting them in a respectful manner,” Bumgardner said.
Students had nothing but good to say about the experience. Bumgardner said that it was interesting to learn how actual government officials in different positions work together to create the laws we live under. Both Bumgardner and McAllister said that it was one of their favorite college experiences so far.
Not only was this a success among the students experience wise, but several Lincoln Land students brought back several awards as well.
“I was very pleased to see five different awards go to students from Lincoln Land,” Bumgardner said.
The following awards received were as followed:
- Outstanding Office of Management and Budget (OMB) analyst: Jason Edwards
- Outstanding House Committee Chair: Mason Gordon
- Outstanding Senate Committeeperson: Zach Fedor
- Outstanding Senate Committee Chair: Gordon Davis
- Outstanding Lobbyist: Silas Tockey
McAllister raved about how much she enjoys the class. “Anyone who loves politics would love this class. It gives students the chance how to actual debate topics or even their beliefs in a proper way. Essentially everyone gets a turn to properly say what they believe,” McAllister said.
Karlee Thompson can be reached at [email protected].
