BY CLIFF SMELLEY
Five sixth-grade students at Bradford Elementary School stood before County Judge Tatum Davis on Sept. 19.
They weren’t in any trouble. Instead, they were officially becoming leaders at their school, being sworn in by Davis as newly elected student-government officers.
“This is an honor,” Davis told the students. “It’s important that you all have taken the opportunity to put yourself out there for leadership positions. That’s great. You’ll learn a lot through this process.”
The officers who were sworn in were President Avery Crawford, Vice President Kamryn Dyal, Secretary Avery Wulff-Vanderpuije, Historian Addison Sweeney and Treasurer Adam Montaser.
Before the ceremony began, Davis shared how he was elected his class president as a third-grade student in 1992 at Lawtey Elementary School. He and his fellow officers participated in a swearing-in ceremony conducted by George Pierce, the county attorney at the time.
“It’s kind of come full circle for me,” Davis said.
Davis told the officers they deserved a pat on the back because of the “courage to put yourselves on the ballot,” adding, “The fact that you’ve been elected is a reflection on you and what kind of a person you are.”
After the last officer was sworn in, Davis said, “Good luck with your terms in office. I hope they’re happy terms and that you get a lot accomplished in student government here at Bradford Elementary.”
This is the school’s first-ever student government group, which also consists of representatives from fifth grade (Jaliyah Carter, Addison Jackson) and fourth grade (Willie Perry, Sawyer Shuford).
Jaquan Bryant is the sponsor, while Venessa Sweeney is co-sponsor.
“We’re very excited,” Sweeney said. “I have a feeling we’re going to do really great things. I know we’re going to be good examples for everybody on this campus.”
Assistant Principal Karen Brugh, who was present at the ceremony, told the student-government members, “Congratulations to you. We look forward to what you have planned or are going to plan for our campus.”
The first student-government meeting was held Sept. 25.
