Wednesday, October 17, 2007

McKinney High School students to hold mock City Council meeting Wednesday night

By Pegasus News wire

MCKINNEY — McKinney Boyd High School students will learn first-hand about the City's organization when they take on the role of their elected officials on Oct. 17. Students from several McKinney Boyd High School government classes will hold a mock council meeting and public hearing in the Council Chambers at City Hall starting at 5:30 p.m.

"This is an opportunity to apply what my students learn in class by showing them how they can affect change right here in McKinney," said Boyd High School government teacher Tom Florimonte. "They'll see how to actually be an active participant in local government. You never know what future leader could be born through activities like this."

Comments from McKinney Mayor Pro Tem Thad Helsley and City Council member Brian Loughmiller will open the session. Students will learn how they got involved in municipal politics and what it takes to guide development of one of the fastest-growing city in the country.

Following the comments from the current City Council members, seven student council members will hold a council meeting to consider an ordinance regulating smoking in McKinney, an actual topic voted on by the City Council recently. Assistant City Managers Regie Neff and Rick Chaffin will attend along with students, faculty and parents from Boyd high school. Select students will present opinions on the ordinance.

The high school program is part of the city's unique "Kid Council" program, which invites students from throughout the city to experience city government through lectures and hands-on meetings. In addition to third grade classes held regularly, the city holds a high school and adult session.

Source: City of McKinney

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