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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield High School student Michael Prather took over the role of Superintendent Alex Geordan and Bobby Smallwood took over the role of school board President Dave Wilkeson during the school’s annual Civic Day on May 3.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield High School students shadowed school board members and staff during the school’s annual Civic Day, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Canfield, on May 3.
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Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Canfield High School students conduced a mock school board meeting during the school’s annual Civic Day, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Canfield, on May 3.
By ABBY SLANKER
The 39th annual Civic Day, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Canfield, took place with 39 Canfield High School juniors and seniors assuming the roles of city, township and school officials on May 3.
The day was organized by Canfield High School government teachers Todd Muckleroy and Mike Pavlansky and provided the students an opportunity to become familiar with the workings of their local government.
Each student was assigned an official from Canfield City Council, Canfield Schools or Canfield Township to shadow during the day. For example, Joe Bruno took over the role of Mayor Richard Duffett, Anthony Biondillo took over the role of City Attorney Mark Fortunato, Blake Naleck took over the role of City Zoning Inspector Mike Cook, Audra Pesko took over the role of Fiscal Officer Carmen Heasley, Brandon Hudock took over for Township Trustee Marie Izzo-Cartwright, Michael Prather took over the role of School Superintendent Alex Geordan, Nick Crawford took over the role of School Board Vice President Craig Olson, Ally Stein took over the role of Director of Curriculum and Instruction John Tullio and Brent Herrmann took over the role of C.H. Campbell Elementary School Principal Travis Lavery.
Civic Day started at the Canfield Local Schools Board Office where the students were greeted by Superintendent Alex Geordan.
“You are the reason why our school system is where it is today. We can’t appreciate you and your families enough. Without the support of you and your families, we can’t do what we do on a daily basis,” Geordan told the students.
School board Vice President Craig Olson thanked the students for participating in Civic Day.
“You will find out when you leave Canfield Schools how well prepared you really are. Thank you for participating today and on behalf of the Canfield Rotary and the school board, we welcome you,” Olson said.
The students then proceeded to conduct a mock school board meeting with their official counterparts. The school officials helped the students understand how a school board meeting is conducted and explained policies and procedures for the meeting.
Following roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, the students discussed the new business of Life After Canfield Day for seniors.
Geordan opened the discussion amongst the board members.
“The focus of Life After Canfield Day is what else can we give you to succeed. We want you to arm yourselves with tools for when you leave home. We will have Canfield alumni come back and talk about situations you may face in college. We will also have the Canfield Police Department on hand with tips on how to change a tire and self defense. We will cover finances, such as student loans and credit cards. We are going to try it this year and get better at it and make it a tradition,” Geordan said.
After the discussion, the student school board members voted to carry the motion.
Next, the student school board members approved Resolution #1-2019, declaring May 3, 2019, Civic Day.
A motion to adjourn was made and seconded, dismissing the students.
The students then took a tour of Canfield Village Middle School and were given a tour of the police and fire stations.
The students walked over to the Canfield Municipal Building where they were welcomed by Mayor Duffett and members of City Council.
The students then traveled to the Canfield Township Hall where a mock trustee meeting took place.
To close out the day, the Rotary Club of Canfield hosted a luncheon for the students and city, township and school officials at St. Michael’s Church.