BHS students take over city
Published 5:19 pm Tuesday, April 26, 2011
For two days this week, several juniors at Bainbridge High School students had a glimpse into what makes Bainbridge a prospering city and how their own interests may blossom into future careers.
Students took a tour of various city government offices and facilities on Tuesday and then had a chance to job-shadow city employees among the city’s six operational divisions.
After a pizza lunch in Willis Park, Student Government Days concluded with a mock City Council meeting held in the council chambers at City Hall.
One of the more interesting issues discussed by the student mayor and City Council was the issue of package alcohol sales on Sunday. The Georgia Legislature recently passed a law that will allow local governments to hold voter referendums on whether or not to allow Sunday alcohol sales within their city or county.
Kevin Dowdy and Chris Ingram of Flint Media, which runs several local radio stations, helped out by portraying citizens speaking out on either side of the issue.
The student council heard from City Manager Chris Hobby, who portrayed a consultant describing the benefits of a proposed major renovation of City Hall. The real-life City Council has been discussing the scope and cost of the renovation at its recent meetings and annual retreats.
Student leaders
Student Government Days leaders included Mayor Emily Ward and City Council members Jodi Sanders, Quiana Childs, Stacey Martin, Dillen Thomas, Sarah Bush and Jo-Hannah Brock. Kelly Brooks was city manager, while Emerald Folsom, Kristen Monson, Evelyn Andrews, Alyssa Bardwell, Jessa Hamilton and Bernard Burke served on the Planning Board.
Other students who participated include Lindsey Kennedy, Khadeeijah Cooper, Jessica Rogers, Caroline Crowder, Jessica Tavieso, Steven Bench, Dustin Eakin, Morgan Rogers, Leigh Spooner, Savannah Cook, Diamond Bouie, Bryan Ordonez, Austin Sapp, Will Dozier, Marc Fleetwood, Blair Nix, Halle Thomas, Alli Guy, J.D. Poole, Allison Whittaker and Kristin Pollock.
Advisors were BHS teachers Gina Burke and Roger Worsley.
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