Journal-News.com

HAMILTON — Learning about leading Hamilton and the Hamilton City School District was an eye-opening experience, according to students who participated in Civic Day.

A group of students from Hamilton and Badin high schools spent time during several weeks shadowing city and school officials, leading up to the mock school board and council meetings on Thursday, Nov. 20.

"I had the same feelings that just about every other high school student has about the Board of Education as well as its policies and decisions," said Megan Metcalfe, who served as board president.

"I was angry when we didn't get a snow day, even if there were only a few flakes on the ground."

She said she didn't understand half of the work that goes into making the district function, but the time she spent with leaders has been informative and interesting.

"We met so many people who had multiple jobs ... in order to keep our schools working properly every day and to help make the Hamilton City School District a great place to go to school," Metcalfe said.

After serving as mayor, Badin senior Allie Pickerill was able to see essentially how the city is run.

"I really feel that I, along with the other students who partook in this event, really can make a difference," she said. "And isn't it human nature to strive to be a part of something bigger? Well that is exactly what we did today."

The mock school board members discussed exempting some HHS seniors from final exams and increasing the number of rest rooms at Badin.

Council members suggested using Adams Elementary School for community uses once the new school is built. The youths also talked about a citywide emergency response system. The students did a good job, said Vice Mayor Pat Moeller.

"They were very confident and knowledgeable about the issues," he said. "They're definitely our future leaders and I hope they stay in the area. But if (future) President Obama wants to take them to Washington, they would make a positive impact there too."