EVERETT – Yesterday, more than 150 high school students from across Snohomish County traveled to the Snohomish County Government Campus for the fourth annual Civic Education Day. Hosted by Snohomish County Councilmembers Nate Nehring and Jared Mead, students get the opportunity to meet elected officials and county staff and learn about county government and civil political discourse.
“Today was a great opportunity to give youth in our community a front row seat to county government and learn about how decisions are made and how they can be involved,” said Councilmember Nehring. “By introducing these students to leaders in county government, I hope it will inspire them to engage with their government in a productive way.”
“I am continually inspired by the curiosity of students and walk away from events like this with a renewed appreciation for the responsibility of my role in County Government,” said Councilmember Mead. “I always enjoy opportunities like this, bringing students to campus and bringing elected officials to the classroom for more engagement on the issues facing our communities.”
Throughout the day, students heard from and engaged with leaders and staff from several county departments, including Councilmembers Nehring and Mead, Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, Snohomish County Elections, Public Works, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Office of Public Defense.
Students learned how county government operates, how decisions are made, and the many ways public servants work together to support Snohomish County communities.
Participating students came from Jackson High School, Cascade High School, Everett High School, Legacy High School, Grace Academy, and Innovation Lab High School.
Councilmembers Nehring and Mead plan to continue hosting Civic Education Day annually to give more students a front row seat to local government.
If you know of a class or school that would be interested in hosting County elected officials as guest speakers, please reach out to Angela Ewert at angela.ewert@snoco.org or Russell Wiita at russell.wiita@snoco.org.
Source: Snohomish County Councilman Nate Nehring’s Office
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
