SPRINGFIELD — University of Illinois Springfield students won major awards for excellence at the Model Illinois Government Simulation held March 1-3 at the Illinois State Capitol and Wyndham Springfield City Center.
Joel Lemmert of Dixon received the Illinois Outstanding Contribution to Government Model Award.
UIS students competed against students from 14 colleges and universities across Illinois. MIG gives them the opportunity to work as legislators, staffers, lobbyists, journalists, and executive branch officials. Participants learn about the legislative process by actively participating in simulations through committee activities, regular legislative sessions, and veto sessions.
“This was a record year in terms of delegate awards, and I couldn’t be more proud of the UIS team,” said Ken Owen, MIG faculty advisor and associate professor of history. “Everyone has contributed to this award and has made an incredible commitment to learning and understanding the democratic process.”
The UIS delegation received six other individual awards.
- Dakota Gordon, of Bradley, received the Outstanding Congressman Award.
- Tyler Bolintin of Rochester received the Outstanding Whip of the House Award.
- Samuel Moore of Moweakua received the Senate Award for Outstanding First Year Delegate.
- Lucas Schilling of Wallmeyer was awarded the Senate Award for Outstanding Whip.
- John Kennedy of Oakdale was named chairman of the Senate's Distinguished Service Committee.
- Caleb Glover of Stonington received the Outstanding Staff Award.
During the simulation, Lemmert served as governor and Alex Rankin of Davis Junction served as speaker of the House. In the House, Gordon served as majority leader, Abby Hastie of Alton served as majority leader, and Volintyne served as minority leader. In the Senate, Moore served as minority leader, Kennedy as deputy minority leader, and Schilling as minority leader. Mr. Hastie and Mr. Kennedy also served as committee chairs.
“In my last year in Model Illinois Government, it was a real honor to stand in the well of the House of Representatives and lead a debate on real bills that were already being debated in real Congress,” Rankin said. Told. “Being in that hall and leading a discussion with such a great group of people was the best way I could have hoped to end my time with this organization.”
MIG members begin preparing legislation during the fall term, hone their parliamentary skills, and organize members of their delegation for the spring session.
