Sussex County students learn about government
High school students experienced local government in action during an Oct. 18 visit to the county seat sponsored by the Optimist Club of Sussex County.
The annual Youth Appreciation Day trip brought students from across the county to Georgetown to meet Sussex County Council and other officials.
Before council’s weekly meeting, students met with Council President Michael Vincent, Vice President Doug Hudson, council members John Rieley, Cindy Green and Mark Schaeffer, and County Administrator Todd Lawson.
Alissa Silva, a Cape High senior who attended the event, said she is interested in forensic science and criminology; she has already been accepted to West Virginia University.
Law enforcement runs in the family, Alissa said, noting her parents both served in the New York Police Department. Alissa is also working as an intern with Rehoboth Beach Police Department, where she is learning the 10-codes and how the station operates, while helping to organize a police department reunion.
“It’s been very beneficial so far,” she said.
Vincent said most issues council handles involve land use, zoning and public safety. He advised students to get involved in their communities, but perhaps not to enter government if they don’t have thick skin.
Hudson offered interested students the opportunity to shadow him for the day to get a better understanding of his role, and Schaeffer said he has met many well-intended folks during his tenure.
Other county students who attended include River Findeison, Shaniya Lewis, Hailey Justice and Maribel Ventura of Sussex Tech; Nex Hagen of Sussex Academy; Caleb Murat and Landon Tripp of Laurel High; Jacque Matias Morales and Perla Mendoza Mendez of Milford High; and Mallory Justice of Indian River High.
