Amboy students who participated in the 5^th Youth Leadership Summit include Reese Vaessen, Justin Hart, Molly Ackert, Kallie Appleman, Cassidy Corcoran, Kaitlyn White, Kenny Hartman, Logan Winters and Advisor Rob Wissinger. (Photo submitted)

 OGLESBY – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) recently hosted his 5th Youth Leadership Summit at the Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby. The event was held all day Friday, Oct. 20 and drew more than 200 junior and senior high school students from 25 high schools across the Congressman’s district. Students were selected by their teachers to attend the event and participate in the workshops, leadership exercises and information sessions.

“This annual event is important for many reasons because the students of today are the leaders of tomorrow,” Kinzinger said. “Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Youth Leadership Summit and to all those who helped make it such a success. Special thank you to our incredible guest speakers for taking the time to be with us.

 “Each year, I learn something new and I’m encouraged by the bright students we have in our 16th Congressional District. Great to have such a remarkable turnout this year and I’m very impressed by all of our attendees. Without a doubt, these future leaders from IL-16 have bright futures ahead.”

In addition to hearing from the Congressman and asking him questions, the students heard from guest speakers Jerry Reinsdorf, longtime owner of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox, and Illinois Lieutenant Governor Evelyn Sanguinetti. 

Using the #KinzingerYLS hashtag on social media, the students were engaged in sharing their photos and favorite moments from event.