On Monday night, a group of second-grade students from Cline Elementary had the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of the city’s leaders by running the Friendswood City Council meeting.
The special session was part of the city’s innovative “Council for a Day” program, designed to give young students a firsthand experience in local governance. During the meeting, these budding leaders discussed and successfully passed a City Proclamation, designating December 5th as “Cline Elementary Day” in Friendswood.
Friendswood Mayor Mike Foreman expressed his delight about the event, noting, “This is one of my favorite events of the year.”
The participating students assumed various key roles in the city council, including positions such as City Manager, City Secretary, City Attorney, Mayor, and all six council seats. This initiative provided them with a realistic insight into the workings of local government and the responsibilities of each role.
The young council members for the day were Olivia Ehrlich, Hunter Callaway, Bailey Smith, Matthew McBride, Harper Holly, Hudson White, Elle Laurenzo, Patience Foreman, Christopher Muller, and Caroline McQuin. Each student played their part with enthusiasm, contributing to the successful passing of the proclamation and the overall management of the council meeting.
This unique event not only provided an educational experience for the students but also highlighted the city’s commitment to engaging young citizens in the civic process. The “Council for a Day” program stands as an inspiring example of how communities can involve youth in governance and decision-making processes, fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement from a young age.
