PINCKNEYVILLE, Ill. – Over 200 youth lined the pews of the Pinckneyville First Baptist church for the return of the Perry County Eighth-Grade Teen Conference. The program helps teens transition from grade school to high school and has been a community tradition for 33 years.

Jerry Costello II, director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture, kicked off the event as a keynote speaker. Costello encouraged the youth to examine their values and stressed that each person is responsible for their own actions, with every decision resulting in a positive or negative consequence.

“Your choices in life will affect your outcome far more than your ability,” said Costello.

The rest of the day was spent in breakout sessions with guest speakers from the region speaking to the teens. Participants could attend workshops on the impacts of drugs and alcohol, cyberbullying, dealing with emotions, exploring positive relationships, and understanding the costs associated with risk-taking behaviors. Local police officers discussed new driving laws and the consequences of drinking and driving, and the K-9 unit showed how police dogs are trained and used in traffic stops and drug raids. Current high school students from DuQuoin and Pinckneyville High Schools also served on a panel to answer questions and share tips on succeeding over the next four years.

Rhonda Shubert, Perry County 4-H program coordinator, said this highly anticipated event is a favorite program for many in the community.

“I am so happy to bring back this event since COVID canceled it in 2020,” said Shubert. “I hope it helps the youth of Perry County succeed in high school and the future.”

This year’s program was made possible thanks to the following sponsors: Illinois Extension, Perry County Counseling, Kim Kellerman, Perry County Marketplace, Delta Theta Tau, Optimist Club, DuQuoin Elks, Casey’s Pizza, Kitten’s Catering, and the First Baptist Church.

Writer: Heather Willis, marketing and communications coordinator, hdwillis@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

Source: Rhonda Shubert, 4-H youth development program coordinator, rkshuber@illinois.edu, (618) 357-2126

About 4-H: Illinois 4-H helps youth learn skills for living. University of Illinois Extension provides 4-H programs in every county in Illinois. Illinois 4-H impacts the lives of 200,000 youth each year through sustained learning clubs and groups and short-term programming.