Seniors in American Government classes came together on Nov. 18 to present bills they had drafted in the weeks leading up to the committee meetings, marking the 61st semester of the mock Legislative Committee Hearings at West Chicago Community High School.

“It’s actually going pretty well. We’ve had good discussion so far, good questions, and a lot of good answers. And it, in general, I think, has been going pretty well. Our bill is actually up next, and I am pretty confident about our bill passing,” senior Robert Witek said.

Not everyone was as optimistic, however.

“They were all hating on my bill, but I believe with the second round I will pass this bill,” senior Abdullah Bakshi said.

Despite differing opinions, senior Dylan Kraft noted that the sessions were going well because Democrats and Republicans were not voting strictly along party lines but were instead focusing on the issues.

The mock hearings took place in the LRC, with sessions running throughout the day. According to government teacher Candace Fikis, the students have worked diligently to research and craft legislation tackling significant political, economic, social, educational, and environmental issues.

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Photo by Eduardo Anicua

Seniors Aaron Garcia, Osiel Chavez, and Diego Ortiz examine the issues on their computer. All of the bills were presented on a website that other students and staff could look at prior to and during the session.

The hearings serve as a platform for students to defend their mock bills in hopes of advancing to the Full Session on Dec. 6.

“If you’ve never witnessed the hearings, it is amazing to watch their passion for their issues, their leadership, and their practice of civil discourse,” Fikis shared in an email to staff.

Visitors, including former teachers Steve Arnold and Shawn Healy, as well as representatives from national civics organizations, were invited to observe the process. Teachers from across the school were encouraged to attend and see firsthand how the students’ work reflects their studies and passion for civic engagement.

Students showcased their efforts through websites, which highlighted their research, polling data, propaganda campaigns, and more. These websites served as a resource for understanding the issues and legislative solutions proposed by the young lawmakers.

The Government program, now in its fourth decade, continues to provide a robust, hands-on experience in civic education, fostering skills in leadership, critical thinking, and civil discourse.