SOURCE | Summer 2022 31
Beth Bolger , ICC chairperson , presents the Educator of the Year award to Mark Steber , ag teacher and FFA advisor at Richland County High School in Olney , Illinois .
the seven cooperative principles . They also tour local cooperatives and interact with representatives from the Council , who share information about their businesses and potential opportunities for future employment and membership . The conference is provided at no cost to the students thanks to generous sponsorship from cooperatives throughout the state .
“ The youth conference gives many high school students their first exposure to how the co-op business model differs from other business types ,” Bolger said . “ Following the conference , they ’ re able to identify local coops and see firsthand how they ’ re impactful for members and communities . Sponsorship of the conference funds the cost for students to attend and makes it possible to provide this unique experience .”