Youth League hosts ‘Power Hour’ connecting Lake Park students with local elected officials

Posted April 30, 2026 2:30 pm

Submitted by League of Women Voters of the Roselle-Bloomingdale Area

Youth-led forum fosters dialogue on leadership, public service, and the future of democracy

Lake Park High School students, from left, Nicole Angel, Sajani Achanta and Suri Kothari founded the Youth League, and led a “Power Hour” at the school where students met with local elected officials in an open and engaging setting. Courtesy of Youth League

The Youth League of the League of Women Voters of the Roselle-Bloomingdale Area continues to cultivate the next generation of informed and engaged voters through hands-on, nonpartisan civic education and direct access to local leaders.

Earlier in April, the Youth League hosted a student-led “Power Hour” at Lake Park High School, providing fellow students with an opportunity to meet and interact with local elected officials in an open and engaging setting.

Participating officials included Roselle Mayor David Pileski, Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn, and Hanover Park Village Trustee Yasmeen Bankole.

During the event, they shared their experiences in public service, answered student questions, and offered firsthand insight into local government and community leadership.

From left, Roselle Mayor David Pileski, Hanover Park Village Trustee Yasmeen Bankole and Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn at the “Power Hour,” hosted by the Youth League of the League of Women Voters at Lake Park High School. Courtesy of Youth League

Programs like “Power Hour” play an important role in preparing young voters for active citizenship. By creating opportunities for students to engage directly with elected officials, the Youth League helps build civic knowledge, encourages habits of participation early, and reinforces the understanding that government is accessible and accountable to the people — including young people.

The Youth League is designed to give students opportunities to ask questions, make connections, and see themselves as participants in the democratic process — helping to shape lifelong voters and future leaders.

The Youth League was founded and is led by Lake Park High School students Nicole Angel, Suri Kothari, and Sajani Achanta, working alongside League mentors Susan Wakefield Dal Porto and Joan Richards.

“Power Hour” is part of the League’s broader effort to engage and empower the next generation of voters and civic leaders through youth programming, voter education, and leadership opportunities.

The League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area offers ongoing programs to educate and engage young people in civic life — from voter registration drives to leadership opportunities.

To learn more or get involved, visit lwvrb.org or email lwvrbmail@gmail.com.

Lake Park High School students meet with local officials, seated, from left, Roselle Mayor David Pileski, Hanover Park Village Trustee Yasmeen Bankole and Itasca Mayor Jeff Pruyn during the “Power Hour” hosted by the Youth League of the League of Women Voters. Courtesy of the Youth League

Formed in 2012, the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale Area is a nonpartisan political organization dedicated to encouraging informed and active participation in government. Through candidate forums, voter guides, educational programming, and advocacy, the League helps residents understand and engage with issues affecting their communities. Membership is open to anyone age 16 and older.

For more information, visit lwvrb.org.