HOWELL – Howell Township students from Middle School North and Middle School South stepped behind the dais to take part in Student Government Day.
Student Government Day provides youth with an opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes on the local government level. Students spent the day at the Howell Township Municipal Building engaging with township officials and employees, police and EMS personnel, watching K-9 demos and partaking in various activities to learn the ins and outs local government.
In the evening, a select few students got a chance to step into the shoes of the township council members by conducting their own Student Government Day Council Meeting. Students acted as mayor, clerk, and council providing township reports and introducing the following proclamations:
- Flag Day, June 14, 2019
- Eat Your Vegetables Day, June 17, 2019
- American Eagle Day, June 20, 2019
- National Safety Month, June 2019
- National Adopt a Cat Month, June 2019
“Everyone was really friendly and nice and I learned a lot…it was a really great experience,” said student council member Samantha Ngo during her report. “I learned a lot about taxes and sewer systems and much more, and while all these things may not sound very interesting, it was a great learning experience that I hope to never forget.”
Student council member Caitlyn Zito noted that she learned a lot about how a community functions while learning in a hands-on environment.
“I benefitted from this experience and I thank all the people that made this day happen,” Zito added.
During the public comment portion of their meeting, residents and members of the Howell school district commended the students on their efforts. Student council mayor Cassidy Brennan’s father jokingly requested them to “gavel out his taxes.”
Each student received a certificate of recognition following the meeting, before the Howell Township Council members took back their seats on the dais.
