Normally I use my column space to spout some unpopular opinion. But this week I wanted to get a little more down to earth.

Model Illinois Government, a government simulation event held every spring at the Illinois Capitol Complex, bestowed me with a great honor this weekend: the Kurtis L. Hermes Award for Outstanding Journalist.

I haven’t had the proper amount of time or medium to thank everybody who made this possible. It really was a team effort, and I want everyone recognized.

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My first foray into Model Illinois Government, or MIG as it is more commonly known, was last year at John A. Logan College. I was a greenhorn who really had no idea what it was. But I decided to sign up and play the part of a senator and had the time of my life.

I was addicted and looked forward to my colleague and good friend Joe DeBose organizing a delegation for SIU. When all was said and done this year, I again participated with John A. Logan College for personal reasons, but the amount he did for the SIU delegation is unimaginable. Joe, thanks for bringing this awesome organization to SIU. I know you will be successful in any and all future endeavors.

I would not be where I am without several teachers and colleagues. First and foremost is my teacher from John A. Logan College, Matt Garrison. When I was uninterested in even graduating, you encouraged me to keep going and hone my skills. I can never repay you.

My political science teacher Perry Knop helped me through a rough time and made sure I kept going. You introduced me to MIG through a brochure and my time in your class taught me invaluable lessons I’ll keep forever.

Then there is the best faculty advisor in the world, Jane Bryant. I might not always be on time with my dues or slips, but you stuck with me and make MIG exciting, even for a novice. You make MIG more than an experience. You make it a family.

Without the respect of Attorney General Taylor Bryant and her staff, Tim Murray, James Colford and Jake Topp, not a single paper would have been completed. When I was pulling my hair out at 1 a.m. trying to get the layout done correctly, you guys were the calming factor I needed. I cannot wait to work with you guys in the future.

My professors at SIU taught me literally everything. David Yepsen, Bill Recktenwald, Bill Freivogel, Bill Babcock and Eric Fidler, without your expertise and acumen, there is no chance I could write for anything more than a school newsletter. I brag about you constantly to any and all who listen (and even those who don’t). I could not ask for a better group of instructors, and frankly would not be in the position I am.

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And without a doubt, I’m not writing or editing for any sort of newspaper without help from my colleagues at the Daily Egyptian: Kayli Plotner, Tyler Dixon, Sarah Gardner, Sarah Schneider, Karsten Burghstahler, Ashley Zborek, Nick Burke and Laura Wood. We might argue at 2 a.m. during a budget meeting or hate the way one person edited a story compared to another, but in the end we make magic happen in here. I would be lost without the DE, probably working another dead-end job in a kitchen somewhere. You guys are awesome and I know each and every one of you is going to do amazing things in the future. I’m ecstatic we work on such an awesome paper together.

And finally, my parents Mark and Julie, I know I’m probably at least your second favorite child (out of two) but thanks for dealing with all the trouble I’ve been over the years.

To anyone else I’ve forgotten, thanks, but I only have so much space. To everyone else, get involved with Model Illinois Government. It is a life-changing experience you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Seth can be reached at [email protected], @EgyptianRich on Twitter or 536-3311 ext. 282.