SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Bill Cunningham was joined by students from Orland Park, Oak Lawn, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, and Palos Park for this year's Student Tech Showcase at the state Capitol.

Organized by Illinois Computing Educators, Tech Day aims to increase awareness of the critical role technology plays in the modern learning environment by offering student an opportunity to demonstrate their projects while highlighting the need for adequate funding for educational technology.

"In today's world, tech education is essential for setting our kids up for success," Cunningham said. "These projects demonstrate just how creative our kids are when given resources and tols to apply their ideas using technology."

The event featured students from High Point Elementary School and Liberty School in Orland Park; Oak Ridge Elementary School in Palos Hills; Palos East Elementary School in Palos Heights; Palos West Elementary School in Palos Park; Oak Lawn Community High School; and Conrady Junior High School in Hickory Hills.