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May 17, 2004

Students Get Inside Look at Local Government in Process

Students from six Woodbridge area high schools will get a first-hand glimpse at the daily workings of municipal government Tuesday, May 25, when Woodbridge Township conducts its annual Youth in Government Day.

Sponsored by the Township Recreation Department, the program brings students to town hall to meet various department heads and the mayor. Later in the day, the students look in at an actual trial and then convene in council chambers to conduct their own council meeting.

"This is a day set aside for possible future leaders to meet each other and obtain insight into how their municipal government operates," says Mayor Frank G. Pelzman. "Young people are crucial to our political process, and this is an important means of encouraging their interest."

Mayor Pelzman adds that students learn how municipal employees work in partnership to attain a common goal that benefits the public. "Students ask intelligent, informed questions," he says. "And they always offer us interesting and innovative ideas on a wide range of community issues."

Participating students, all juniors, are selected by their social science teachers on the basis of leadership abilities, interest in government and ideas for their community. This year's schools include Bishop Ahr High School, Colonia High School, JFK High School, Woodbridge High School, St. Joseph's High School and Mother Seton Regional High School.

Youth In Government Day was initiated in 1997 by Councilwoman Brenda Yori Velasco. "Youth In Government Day shows young people what government and leadership are really about," says Councilwoman Velasco. "It is always a rewarding, educational experience for those who participate; we are working with the future leaders."