SESSER - Despite the events of the past two weeks - or perhaps because of them - students in Sesser-Valier High School's Youth in Government club still want to become involved in the political process.

The arrest of Gov. Rod Blagojevich on federal charges "was kind of like a life lesson for us, since most of us want to be involved in politics at some level," John Palmer Rea, 16, said.

The club is part of a larger organization that has about 1,000 members statewide, adviser and teacher Craig Garner said.

Students participate in a mock government that "mimics the exact government in Springfield, minus the corruption," Garner said with a laugh.

The club's activities culminate in a three-day trip to Springfield in March when the Youth in Government Assembly will take over the state Capitol for the 60th year.

They'll elect legislators and statewide officeholders, present bills and even deal with pesky statehouse reporters, he said.

"They will use every bit of the state Capitol. They'll sit in the same chairs as the legislators and use the governor's office," Garner said.

Steve Vercellino, an SVHS senior, was nominated to sit in the governor's chair, Garner said. Vercellino is the candidate for the Southern and Central Illinois region.

"He is one of three candidates who will have the opportunity to run for governor," he said.

The Sesser group also has two students nominated for presiding officer. Kristen Flatt, 18, was nominated for speaker of the House and Rea was nominated for president of the Senate.

Club members Emmalee Metcalf, 18, and Kayla Sample, 16, have already been elected to serve as committee chairs.

Garner said the 25 students in the club put countless hours into learning about the government, from how a bill is passed to parliamentary procedure.

Metcalf said she wouldn't have gotten interested in politics without the program.

"We take it very seriously," she said. "This program gives us the opportunity to see how our government really works and how we can make a difference some day."

beckymalk@gmail.com / 927-5633