Events
Events
To provide our community’s youth the opportunity to learn the purpose and mechanics of county-level government, and be able to participate in a way to further their understanding of how local government works. Students who recognize and understand this will become more informed and involved citizens and voters.
Former President Richard Nixon wrote in his 1972 Proclamation: National Student Government Day, that student government organizations can “offer young people early and vital experience in exercising a voice in matters of common concern, reconciling diverse interests, and selecting leaders to express representative views. Equally important, active and responsible student governments can exert a constructive influence in shaping the on-going reform and self renewal of our educational communities.”
To participate, students were required to submit an essay. This year’s essay topic was, “Compare and contrast the three levels of government in Michigan – local, county and state. Which one is the most successful in affecting the quality of life for its citizens and why?” The Commissioners then chose their favorite essays and invited those students to participate in a Student Government Day at the Macomb County Board of Commissioners office in downtown Mount Clemens on January 25, 2024.
The day’s agenda began with a welcome address, followed by a presentation on the duties and responsibilities of a Commissioner with a Q&A session. Students then participated in small group discussions with Commissioners that covered topics such as transparency in government, the County budget process and common Commissioner situations. During the second half of the day, the students drafted a proclamation/tribute then were paired up with Commissioners for a mock meeting to close out the program.
During the Full Board Meeting at 3:00 PM, the Board of Commissioners announced the winner of the essay contest, Nolan Connolly from Anchor Bay High School. Nolan was awarded the $1,000 scholarship, which was provided thanks to a partnership from Advancing Macomb, a 501c3 that convenes resources to solve community challenges and enrich the lives of Macomb County residents.
The Macomb County Board of Commissioners, led by Chairman Don Brown, is excited to announce this year’s winner of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners Student Government Scholarship, Nolan Connolly! This scholarship was awarded to Nolan, who submitted the most insightful and well-thought-out essay among those submitted, during our Second Annual Student Government Day on January 25, 2024. The amount of this scholarship is $1,000.
Contact the Board Office at bocadmin@macombgov.org or 586-469-5125 with any questions regarding this program.