Chesterfield students get sneak peek at government

Christi Uminski, a senior at Midlothian High School, felt a little anxious to be in the Model County Government program, in which she had the opportunity to mingle with county officials and shadow an employee for half a day.

"It's a little nerve-racking," she said, referring to the upcoming shadow day with her mentor.

This year, the three-day Chesterfield County program was moved up to the fall so students could reflect on their participation in college applications, said Tim Bullis, schools spokesman.

Sixty-five students enrolled in government courses started out Tuesday evening with a reception and public engagement with school officials. Students discussed and gave feedback on prepared questions dealing with safety in schools, technology integration, effectiveness and improvement, increasing student community involvement and enrollment in advanced classes, among other topics.

"I think it's a good opportunity because you get to express yourself directly to [school officials]," said Sean Doody, a Cosby High School senior. "We can't do that outside here."

Students attended the Board of Supervisors meeting Wednesday and shadowed government employees Thursday morning.

Laura Dewell, the Model County Government coordinator for Monacan High School, said that in the past, when the job program was held in the spring, some students landed summer jobs from their job-shadowing experience.

"It's a real benefit for them," she said. "This is like hands-on learning for students."

Kariene DiStephano, a senior at Thomas Dale High School, shadowed Kuzhalmozhi Sundar, information manager in the county's planning department.

"I had a good time," she said. "I learned a lot of stuff about the planning department and what they do. It was a really good experience."

Students ended their activities with a lunch at Pocahontas State Park and comments from keynote speaker Frederick G. Rockwell III, a judge at the Chesterfield Circuit Court.

Contact Juan Antonio Lizama at (804) 649-6513 or .