Teens in Charge: Students Assume Council Roles for Student Government Night

This week, five Cedar Grove High School students took over the Township Council at its public meeting, assuming the roles of each member of the governing body as part of the school's Student Government Day.

The students spent a full day at Township Hall, shadowing employees from Township Clerk Kathleen Stutz to Township Manager Thomas Tucci to Township Engineer Alex Palumbo. In addition to demolishing more than a few platters of sandwiches, the students got a crash course in a day in the life of a municipal employee.

At the June 6 meeting, the Township Council members were joined at the dais by five All-School Council members: Shea Sweeney, President of the All-School Council, assumed the role of mayor. Lorenzo Fazio acted as deputy mayor, and Crystal Borbonus, Vin Caruso and Ashley Maret took over for Councilmen Joseph Chiusolo, Peter Tanella and E. Romeo Longo, respectively. Zach Specht filled in for Township Manager Thomas Tucci, and Courtney Buckworth assumed the role of Township Clerk Kathleen Stutz.

The meeting was then conducted just as any other meeting. The group took votes on and passed a range of issues on behalf of the council, who were seated next to their young counterparts for guidance. Business handled by the All-School Council included adopting a bond ordinance of more than $550,000 for various capital improvements, awarding a $633,747 bid to Pierce Manufacturing for a new fire engine, and approving the payment of over $2 million in bills.

The All-School Council will continue its lesson in the real world of running a town on Tuesday, when members will shadow Cedar Grove Board of Education members, and conduct the June 7 meeting.

After the meeting was adjourned, the students told Patch that the day taught them a lot about how much work it takes to keep a township functioning day in and day out. Everyone involved enthusiastically said they had a great time and learned a lot.

Tucci, who spearheaded the Student Government Night, said it was a learning experience for him as well as the students.

"It really taught me how astute they are on the issues. These are truly bright, outstanding young people. If these kids are our future than we have a very bright future ahead of us."