The Kankakee Valley REMC Junior Board of Directors program — which offers high school juniors opportunities to connect with community leaders and gain a real- world perspective on leadership — recently visited the Indiana Statehouse to witness the heart of the legislative process.

The Junior Board participants who attended the trip included Juliana Cook, Luke Snow, and Luke Drozd from Morgan Township High School; Madison Scarborough, Mallory Rinker, Grace Shukitis, and Hope Sanderson from South Central High School; Taylor Stacy, Ava Jensen, and Harper Hazelton from Knox High School; and Lillian Earle from Washington Township High School.

The students were greeted by Reps. Jim Pressel and Ed Soliday before making their way to committee hearings. Rep. Kendell Culp and Sen. Ed Charbonneau also met with the students, sharing insights into their daily responsibilities and discussing key issues being addressed during the current legislative session. Students also observed the bustling activity of lobbyists and citizens gathered to advocate for various bills. The visit included a behind- the-scenes tour of the Statehouse. The group explored the building’s history and visited the Court of Appeals, the Senate Chambers, the House of Representatives, and the governor’s office. As they observed the Senate in session, they had a firsthand look at the legislative process in action.

“We are lucky to have legislators who believe in investing in the future leaders of our communities,” said Amanda Steeb, Kankakee Valley REMC’s director of communications and marketing. “We are grateful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to meet with our students and help them better understand the role of government.”

The Junior Board’s visit to the Statehouse provided the next generation of leaders with hands- on experience and the opportunity to learn directly from those who shape the state.