Local Students Tour NYC
Civics Club members at the top of One World Tower.
Staff Report
Cumberland County Civics Club traveled to New York City, where they took their interest in public service to an entirely new level. Six club members/current fiscal court interns spent six days there and walked approximately 60 miles, visiting not only iconic landmarks and cultural centers like the Statue of Liberty and Carnegie Hall, but also speaking with staff from important units of government and the press like the United Nations and the Wall Street Journal.
Civics Club members at the Wall Street Journal offices.
“How often do we get to see Cumberland County in the same room as extremely impressive team members from a national media outlet like the Wall Street Journal?” County Judge-Executive Luke King continued, “Watching our youth engage in the discussions and seeing them adapt to an environment like NYC was impressive and encouraging. We’re one of the smaller counties in the state, but we are extremely fortunate to have some of the most civic-minded and energetic young leaders call our county home.”
“I am in complete awe of the experiences provided to us in NYC. I’ve learned so much that just can’t be taught in a classroom. Not only did I see government and true leadership on a larger scale, but I also saw the importance of being an active, engaged, and highly motivated citizen in my community. We learn the fundamentals at school, but it’s an opportunity like this that teaches us how we can reach new levels that were previously unthinkable,” said Civics Club Clerk Emmalee Fulton. “If you had asked me three years ago if I would ever be on a plane to NYC, I would have said you were crazy. Today, I can tell you it’s been one of the best and most helpful experiences of my life,” added Club Member Raelin Castillo.
Civics Club members at the 9-11 Memorial.
Prior to departure, trip participants had to help draft a trip itinerary, learned how to book flights, and check bags. While traveling, they learned how to read public transportation diagrams and information boards at airports. They had to navigate using maps, street signs, and landmarks.
The Cumberland County Civics Club and County Fiscal Court Internship Program started in January 2024. Since its inception, the club and program have given the county’s youth opportunities to participate in local government and to expand their knowledge of government at various locations and levels. The club in Cumberland County is serving as a pilot program and traveling to other counties, helping to establish similar organizations for the state’s youth. The goal is to bridge the generational gap between current and future leaders while also combating brain drain in rural Kentucky.
(Note: NO taxpayer funds were used in the making of these positive memories, and all participants went on their own time, not company time.)
