Commissioners welcome Oakland County students for 2024 Youth in Government Day

February 9, 2024, OAKLAND COUNTY, MI. - The Oakland County Board of Commissioners hosted more than 80 students from across the county during its annual Youth in Government Day today. The annual full-day event, held in partnership with Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) 4-H, educates students about the role of local government in their lives and how they can participate in it. High schoolers were informed about the structure of county government, participated in problem-solving sessions and interacted with elected officials.

Students began the day by learning more about the elected officials responsible for making decisions that impact them and their communities. Clerk/Register of Deeds Lisa Brown, Undersheriff Curtis Childs, Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Markeisha Washington, Treasurer Robert Wittenberg and Board Chair David T. Woodward explained their roles and fielded questions from the students.

"It's always inspiring to hear a fresh perspective on the issues that are facing our community," said Woodward (D-Royal Oak). "The discussions these students led regarding the sustainability challenges we face were thoughtful, engaging and full of great ideas. We hope Youth in Government Day encourages young people around the county to become more involved with county government and use their voices to make positive change."

Through an interactive presentation, MSUE 4-H staff challenged students to think critically about media consumption and complex legislative issues. The educators then led engaging problem-solving sessions on how a local government might prioritize investment in sustainability efforts.

"Young people have a very strong drive to improve the world they live in," said Darren Bagley, an MSUE 4-H educator who facilitated sessions during the event. "Youth in Government Day allows students to learn how they can be more involved as citizens and gives them the opportunity to discuss the way various sustainability efforts can play out in local government."

Participants also learned about the county judicial system as Chief Circuit Judge Jeffery S. Matis, Circuit Judge Lorie N. Savin and Circuit Judge Michael Warren welcomed students into their courtrooms to demonstrate mock sessions and answer their questions. To round out the event, members of the Oakland County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit demonstrated the abilities of the four-legged officers.

"I'm an AP government teacher, and unfortunately, we don't necessarily get to spend a lot of time on local government because we're preparing for that test," Samantha Geldhof, a teacher from Hazel Park High School, said. "It's really great that (students) actually get to see what our local government does and get to meet our local representatives and see what they do every day."

Since the 1970s, Youth in Government Day has aimed to help develop young adults into future leaders. Today, the event continues to connect students with local government and works to emphasize the idea that they are never too young to be involved or to make a difference. Youth in Government Day encourages Oakland County youth to understand and participate in the processes that impact their lives and communities.

"I think it's a fantastic experience in support of our curriculum," Joe Foote, a teacher from Southfield Christian School, said. "While the curriculum focuses heavily on national government and a little on state government, many students aren't aware and aren't knowledgeable about what happens at the local level. This really helps to increase their awareness and gives them practical education."

For more information about the BOC, please visit www.oakgov.com/boc or call 248-858-0100.