Local Leaders Share Knowledge with Hopewell High Government Classes | Schools

The inter working of state and local government got a lot more hands-on in May for government classes at Hopewell High School.  In a two week period students got to meet one of their Virginia House of Delegate representatives, the Mayor of Hopewell, City Councilors, and tour council chambers.

“I love talking to students and see young people engaged in the government process,” said Virginia State Delegate Joseph Morrissey.  “I try to talk about the things that inspire a little fire in the young people.”  Morrissey challenged the group to let local government know your concerns.

“You have a lot more power than you think you do,” said Hopewell Mayor Christina J. Luman-Bailey to the cafeteria full of students.  She spoke of a skateboard park that was constructed in Hopewell largely because a group of citizens, many of them young people, convinced City Council that there was a need in the community.  “It is an opportunity to make a difference in your community when you become involved.”

“To see the students take a real interest in their local community gives me hope for the future,” exclaimed Councilor for Ward #6, Brenda S. Pelham.  “It is my hope that some of them will come back and serve their communities after they graduate.”

Local leaders visited the school, and then the following week students got the chance to take a behind the scenes tour of the Hopewell City Council Chambers.