The Triton College Model Illinois Government (MIG) competed in a government simulation in Springfield, IL March 3-6, 2022. The three student delegates who attended were Simon Koziol, Johnathon Witkowski and Juan Cervantes. “Our delegates all did an exceptional job representing Triton College,” economics instructor George Lam said. “The experience allowed them to better understand our state government system, network with other delegates and think deeper about their career goals.” According to the Triton College Student Life webpage, MIG is “an intercollegiate simulation of the different branches of government in the state of Illinois.” Delegates began preparing for the 44th annual simulation during the fall semester.  

While meeting some of the approximately 100 other student delegates from 10 colleges across Illinois, they also heard from special guests, including Illinois Supreme Court Justice David Overstreet, who addressed delegates on March 4. Triton’s delegates addressed bills on topics such as voter identification and abortion. Koziol was a Democrat House Representative, Witkowski was a Republican House Representative and Cervantes was a lobbyist. “The most interesting bill I argued for was about service animal abuse,” Koziol said. “I had to vote against my party constituency and help to bring others from my aisle to vote in a bipartisan manner.” On March 6, Cervantes received The Robert Kent Award for Outstanding Lobbyist. Cervantes is a first-year Triton College student who is studying economics.