Students Follow in Footsteps of Local Officials

Fifteen students from around the township participated in “Youth in Government Day” on Tuesday.

Each high school junior shadowed a member of government and had a specific idea they were working with the township to create.

The students participated in the Mayor’s morning staff meeting, sat it on a court session and held their own council meeting.

Steven Poos, who attends Bishop Ahr, was the Township’s Mayor for the day and had on his agenda to create a yearlong concert series geared towards teens and young adults to get the younger crowd more involved in the community.

Marialalna Nissenbaum of Mother Seton High School, Arjun Bedi of JFK and Desiree Santana of Woodbridge High School were all working on projects to increase the donations at area food banks.

Other students who participated in the day included:

Elizabeth Valenti of Mother Seton who was shadowing the Municipal Clerk. Valenti’s project was to get students involved in cleaning up and beautifying township parks.

Alexander Seatore of JFK (Council Vice President). Project: Career professionals talking to elementary students.

Robert Swizer of St. Joes High School shadowing Councilman of the 1st ward.

Bridgen Pareka of Woodbridge High (Councilman-At-Large). Project: Having varsity athletes teach younger kids about healthy eating and exercise.

Sherbin Abraham of JFK (Councilman-At-Large). Project: Create a community group to debate current events and the news.

Jilienne Cagaoan of Colonia High (Councilwoman-At-Large). Project: Promote eco-friendliness and low water.

Raeann Dalton of Union Catholic (Councilwoman). Project: create a program promoting healthy eating in schools.

Brian Cushman of Colonia High (Councilman). Project: Bringing senior citizens and students together to help improve their lives.

William Cortes of Colonia High (Business Administrator). Project: Creating a better voting system during small elections for small parties.

Genevieve Nunez Del Prado of Woodbridge High (Law Director). Project: Having a community carnival for those impacted from Hurricane Sandy.

Angelica Avanzado of Mother Seton (Lawyer). Project: Create a group of students available to help out those in need around town.