Representative Robert Flider met with 16 students representing Shelby Electric Cooperative during the Illinois Electric and Telephone Cooperatives Youth Day on Wednesday, April 1, in Springfield. Students had an opportunity to view state government in action and tour the State Capitol, Illinois Supreme Court, Old State Capital and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.

First row from left are Kolton Minott of Moweaqua, Matthew Entler of Moweaqua, Becca Jefferies of Shelbyville, Katie Pieper of Stewardson, Andy Towler of Pana, Ricky Warren of Ohlman, Courtney Ealey of Edinburg and Kristen Colonius of Edinburg.

Second row from left are Michael Guyer of Neoga, Zachary Letizia of Neoga, Boone Baker of Mode, Levi Pruemer of Shelbyville, Adam Metzger of Pana, Daniel Martin of Witt, Tyler Handy of Herrick and RhiAnnon Mahaffey of Beecher City.

Third row from left are Marla Eversole of Shelby Electric Cooperative, Roger Kiefling of Cowden-Herrick and Rep. Robert Flider.

The day was sponsored by the Illinois electric and telephone co-ops and is designed to introduce young rural leaders to state government.

Shelby Electric Cooperative is a member of Touchstone Energy - an alliance of more than 670 local, consumer-owned electric utilities around the country. Shelby Electric is committed to providing superior service based on four core principles: integrity, accountability, innovation and commitment to community. The co-op serves more than 9,805 members over 2,233 miles of line in parts of Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Macon, Montgomery, Moultrie, Sangamon and Shelby counties. For more information visit www.shelbyelectric.coop.