Today's students are tomorrow's leaders. That's what they say, although not many politicians and public officials really take time out of their busy days to familiarize students with the inner workings of the local government and community services, and try to get them involved. But on Tuesday, February 24, 2004 during second period in the Kent County High School auditorium, the County Commissioners of Kent County held a meeting with a group of students to do just that.

Hosting this event were Kent County Commissioners William W. Pickrum, President; T. Edward Robinson, County Administrator; Roy W. Crow, member; and Scott D. Livie, member. Pickrum began the meeting with a review of the agenda. His statement of the mission of the morning's meeting was to let the students know what's going on in the local government and answer any questions they or the media attending might have.

The next speaker was Stacy Gould, Chief Paramedic of the County EMS. She spoke to the students about the function of the EMS, like paramedics, fire rescue, answering 911 calls. She also talked about how a student could become an EMT him/herself, like KCHS senior Katie Hardin who is an intern with the EMS. She does research and answers and responds to emergency calls.

Then , Joanne Donovan, KCHS graduate, came on stage to talk about dispatching and answering emergency calls, and the employment opportunities in this area. Here, another KCHS senior was mentioned — Travis Nelson, an intern and part-time employee there.

Chris Powell of the Kent County Fire Chiefs Association and Robert B. Rust, Jr., Emergency Management Director, could not be present this day; but a member of the county commissioners stood for them to tell the students the services they perform for the public. Powell is a volunteer for the fire department and his segment served to highlight the great importance of volunteers in the lives of Kent Count citizens, encouraging students to volunteer themselves. Rust's position is one that is called to action in such crises as the recent Hurricane Isabel, organizing the effort to get the county back on its feet.

Next, Jeffrey Troester, Parks and Recreation Director, addressed the students, discussing such subjects as the post-prom party being organized to keep KCHS students happy and safe after Prom 2004. He says that it is to be held at the Chestertown Armory, lasting from midnight to 5:00 am, with enticing attractions like sumo wrestler costume games and big prize giveaways (Hint: car!). He also spoke to the students of employment and involvement opportunities. Kent County Parks and Recreation will be hiring 45 seasonal employees this summer, like lifeguards and camp counselors. They will also be looking for two KCHS juniors to apply for the student openings on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board during the next school year (their senior year). The current students on this advisory board, and the first to receive this opportunity, are seniors Brandon Middleton and Lyle Pinder.

Following Troester was Sheriff John Price. With the students, he answered numerous questions and discussed a number of things. He said that there has been a noticeable reduction in juvenile referrals largely because of the efforts of KCHS school resource officer Sergeant Knapp — a 16% reduction since last year.

He also discussed the annual report of crime in Kent County. For example, Part 1 crimes (those that are more serious or violent offenses) were at 177 in 2002 and in 2003 the number was up to 180 offenses. The increase, Price said, was due mostly to second degree assault crimes, some of which occurred at KCHS.

Finally, Sheriff Price mentioned that if anyone was interested in opportunities for recruitment to the police department, one could check out their website for more information.

Dr. Leland Spencer approached the podium next to talk to the students about the function of the Kent County Health Department, answering many questions as well. Besides monitoring the quality of air, water, and food served by restaurants in the county and preventing or controlling the outbreak of diseases with vaccinations, the health department provides a number of services to high school students. They offer stop smoking programs, help dealing with depression (a rising problem among teenagers) and preventing suicide, and help with sexual problems or questions about the subject.

"No one is turned away from the health department, " says Dr. Spencer.

The final speaker at this meeting was Florence Sutton, Election Director. Her strongest message was that eligible voters should register. Since the age restriction is that one must be 18 years old by November 3, 2004 (the day following this year's presidential election), many seniors this year can register to vote. Sutton said that when they came to KCHS in January, they were disappointed to register only 20 new voters, but there is still more time to do so.

Now that county politicians and public officers have done their part to involve today's students in tomorrow's opportunities, it seems up to the students themselves what their part in the future leadership of their county will be.