‘Immersive’ event gives high schoolers a chance to lead on local issues
High school students from Henrico County Public Schools (HCPS) will present community research projects and reflect on their experiences during Henrico County’s 65th Student Government Day on Wednesday, March 6.
A total of 96 students from Henrico’s nine public high schools, The Academy at Virginia Randolph and the Henrico Virtual Academy are participating. Eight students are expected to highlight what they have learned or present projects exploring an issue impacting the county. The projects have focused on such topics as firefighter recruitment, environmental stewardship, sidewalks, bike lanes and other active transportation infrastructure, and school bus driver training and compensation.
On Wednesday, the students will spend the workday with county officials to learn more about their roles and responsibilities as well as the programs and services provided to residents and the community. They also will have opportunities to tour Jail West and the county’s data center as well as to register to vote.
Students will present their projects during a mock meeting of the Board of Supervisors at 1 p.m. in the Board Room at the Henrico County Government Center, 4301 E. Parham Road. Members of the news media are welcome to provide coverage.
“For the past six decades, Student Government Day has given Henrico County high school students an immersive learning experience that they cannot get anywhere else,” said Victoria Davis, the event’s coordinator for Henrico Public Relations. “It’s another example of the outstanding partnership between Henrico County and Henrico County Public Schools. Students get to see firsthand how their government and school system operate. They also have opportunities not only to explore important local issues but to help shape and better inform the local response.”
Student Government Day was first held in 1958 and was long supported by the Kiwanis clubs of North Richmond, Tuckahoe and Greater Richmond. The Board of Supervisors will take no official action as part of its participation in Student Government Day.
