Henrico high school students get close look at county, school operations

More than 100 students from Henrico County high schools got a firsthand look at their local government and public schools administrations Thursday as part of the 60th annual Student Government Day.

The program matched 113 students from all nine high schools and The Academy at Virginia Randolph with elected and appointed officials, including members of the Board of Supervisors and School Board, county manager, superintendent, judges and department directors. Students spent the day learning how Henrico general government and Henrico County Public Schools work on behalf of residents and others to provide services and address needs of the community.

“For six decades, Student Government Day has given students from Henrico’s high schools access and insight into the inner workings of their local government and school system,” County Manager John A. Vithoulkas said. “This program reinforces Henrico’s commitment to being open and accessible to our residents, and it serves as a reminder that our community is strongest when we all work together.”

Student Government Day began Wednesday at Hermitage High School with a ceremony in which 32 students swore the oaths required for their assigned positions. All students spent Thursday with their designated departments and agencies. Some also toured Henrico’s Jail West and registered to vote.

For students who worked at the Henrico Government Center, the day ended with a student-run, simulated work session and meeting of the Board of Supervisors. The students learned about the Division of Fire’s robotics response program and the county’s internship program, and voted to authorize the sale of $114.6 million in general obligation bonds to implement projects approved in the 2016 bond referendum.

The Kiwanis clubs of North Richmond, Tuckahoe and Greater Richmond sponsor Student Government Day.

Students from Henrico high schools work alongside county officials during a mock meeting of the Board of Supervisors as part of Henrico’s 60th annual Student Government Day.
 
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