Surry County High School brought government to life through its “Student Government for a Day” activity, led by teacher Mr. Kenneth Bell. The event gave students hands-on experience by placing them in real local government roles, helping them understand how decisions are made in their community.
Students took on positions such as Finance Director, Sheriff, Superintendent, County Administrator, and School Division Superintendent, tackling real-world scenarios involving budgeting, safety, education, and community services. They also explored legal, agricultural, and social service roles, gaining insight into how different departments work together to support the county.
Through meetings, discussions, and problem-solving activities, students developed a deeper appreciation for the complexity of local government and the importance of civic engagement. Reflecting on the experience, Mr. Bell shared that Surry County is “very fortunate to have such a close collaborative partnership with our local government departments and agencies,” noting that their willingness to engage with students brings classroom learning to life. Having been part of the partnership for more than 20 years, he added that his “excitement and zeal” for the annual activity is renewed each year, calling it “one of his most favorite times of the school year.”
Superintendent Dr. Herbert Monroe also emphasized the value of the experience, stating, “Student Government Day allows our Cougars to exercise the core values of our strategic plan: Connection, Collaboration, Communication, and CARE! By allowing students to shadow professionals, we give them real work-based learning opportunities that positively impact their success in school and in life.”
The initiative showed that government can be more than a textbook subject, it can be an engaging, real-world experience that inspires future leaders.