Students Observe Kentucky Legislation In Progress
Civics Club with Gov. Beshear.
Staff Report
The Cumberland County Civics Club recently made a journey to Frankfort and met with public officials including Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Secretary of State Michael Adams, KY Representative Amy Neighbors, and KY Senator Rick Girdler. While sitting in at the Local Government Committee meeting, Vice Chair/Rep. Amy Neighbors recognized the group for all their efforts and positive work in Cumberland County.
Neighbors also recognized the entire group from the floor of the Kentucky State House. The club members visiting Frankfort included: Civics Club Judge/Executive Sadie Arterburn, Club Magistrates Nolan Cowgill, Evan Stotts, Preslie Fletcher, and Erica Branham, as well as County Treasurer Jordan McCloughan, County Clerk Emmalee Fulton, County Attorney Aidan Capps, EM Director Tyler Thacker, Road Supervisor Kaden Morgan, Skylar Kern, Raelin Castillo, and Abby Elmore. County Judge/Executive Luke King and Cumberland County Team Member Danny Groce also attended.
“Exploring Kentucky’s capital with my peers was an immersive and inspiring experience. Meeting statewide elected officials gave us the unique opportunity to see leadership in action. Watching the KY House in session, attending two committee meetings, and touring the Capitol Building helped me realize that being informed is not just a choice, but a responsibility if we want to create a stronger community,” said Emmalee Fulton.
Frankfort Night Tour with Civics Club.
“I want it known that many of these young leaders got up and ready shortly after 4am and didn’t stop until near 9pm that same day. They didn’t get paid for their work. They didn’t complain about the hours. They regularly expressed their appreciation for the opportunity and represented Cumberland County well from start to finish,” said County Judge-Executive Luke King.
In order to be able to make the journey, club members had to attend local county meetings/events, find and wear professional attire, and commit to representing our county well at all locations. The Civics Club left after school on Monday and arrived in Frankfort late that evening. Club members learned to navigate a larger city and developed a sense of teamwork that is necessary while traveling. The group had to identify destinations and then get there safely and on time. Before returning home on Tuesday, some club members opted to travel with King to meet with the Lake Cumberland Board of Health in Russell County. The Civics Club is in its second year and serves as a feeder program to the fiscal court’s internship program.
Kin stressed that the youth attended on their own time and were not paid by the county. He said private funds were used to purchase meals and all hotel rooms. And that “these young people paid out of their own pockets to positively represent Cumberland County.”
