Village's Student Government Day Deadline Nears

The Village of Orland Park invites village residents in sixth, seventh and eighth grades to participate in its “Student Government Day 2012.” Youngsters who live in the village --- regardless of where they attend school --- are invited to write essays describing what they like best about the Village of Orland Park.

“On May 31, 2012, the Village of Orland Park will mark 120 years as a municipality in the State of Illinois,” said Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “Having the future leaders of our community be a part of local government is a great way to celebrate this milestone,” the mayor added.

Co-chaired by McLaughlin and Trustee Jim Dodge, chair of the village’s Technology, Communications and Community Engagement Committee, the mock committee and village board meetings with students in charge will be held May 21, 2012.

“It’s been a while since the village held its last Student Government Day and we’re happy to bring it back in time for the village’s 120th birthday,” McLaughlin said. “This is always a fun evening for the adults and for the kids. The kids see how local government works and the adults get to see how very bright our young people are,” he added.

Participants are invited to write a 100-150 word essay describing what they like best about one of eight village related topics, including community planning, local government, police, public services, recreation programs, special events, village facilities and village history.

“A lot of Orland Park’s young people have visited the Village Hall on school field trips or to meet their scout requirements so many of them already understand local government,” McLaughlin said.

“Having the kids run the show is always a good time and it gives them a firsthand perspective,” Dodge said. “When I was first elected village clerk, I did a number of mock board meetings with different scout groups and the kids always had fun,” he added.

Essays will be scored by an impartial panel of judges and those having the best grasp of the chosen subject matter will be selected to serve as either an elected official or department director on May 21. Winning students must be available on May 21 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Only one entry per student will be accepted and all entries are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 11, 2012.

“We’re hoping to get a good cross-section of the community for this event, with kids from all different schools, public, private and home schooled.” the mayor said.

Entries must include the student’s full name, home address, home phone, village subdivision, name of school, grade level and parent’s email address. Essays may be emailed to publicinfooffice@orland-park.il.us and delivery of the essay will be confirmed with a response email. Hard copies may be delivered to the village’s Office of Public Information in the Village Hall prior to the deadline.

Information sheets appear on the village’s website at www.orland-park.il.us and questions may be directed to the village’s Office of Public Information at 708/403-6150.