News & Events

Centerville High School Students Were Officials for Youth in Government Day

Centerville High School students learned firsthand how local government operates when they participated in Washington Township's annual Youth In Government Day on April 25th.

Twelve government students paired up with elected officials and township staff, and then shadowed them for the morning to learn about local government and potential careers. The highlight of the day was a mock Board of Trustees meeting where students assumed the role of township officials and addressed issues recently encountered by the board, including an actual zoning case.

"Local government can play a valuable part in helping schools educate students about their role in a democratic society," said Township Administrator Jesse K. Lightle. "Many of these students will be eligible to vote in the next election. Youth In Government Day is an important way to encourage their interest in local government and to help them become more informed voters."

The day began at the Government Center with refreshments and a brief orientation from the township administrator. Students were then paired with a township official to learn about the township and their individual job before getting down to the business of planning an agenda for their meeting. Following the mock meeting, students and government officials met for lunch at Benham’s Grove with students and officials from the City of Centerville, Centerville Schools, Centerville-Washington Park District and Kettering Municipal Court.

Youth in Government Day is sponsored by Washington Township, Centerville Kiwanis Club, Centerville High School PTO, Centerville High School Social Studies Department and the City of Centerville.

Students participating in Washington Township’s Youth in Government Day included: Lily Pearson, trustee president; Kelly Beavers, trustee vice-president; John Merkle, trustee; Dylan Cochia, fiscal officer; Emily Blanton, administrator; Riley Poulton, fire chief; Garrett Fox, police director; Jackson Pickrel, public works director; Sean Below, finance director; Kyle Haas, recreation director; Brogan Zengel, zoning manager; and Colton Carter, information systems coordinator.