Approximately 115 students met at 8:30 a.m. at the California First Baptist Church. Tipton juniors, Jamestown sophomores and juniors and second semester government class from California attended. Teachers attending included Ralph Martin and Jason Culpepper, Tipton; E.H. Hirschvogel, Jamestown; and Ben Wilson, California.
American Legion members presented flags to begin the day. Following the Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the national anthem, Legion members Dean McPherson and Buck Jones demonstrated the correct method to fold the American Flag.
Elected county officials spoke to the students, telling about their background and the duties of their office and then answered questions. Speaking were Kenneth Kunze, Kim Roll, Roberta Elliott, Michele Higgins, Shayne Healea, Jay Gump, Loyd Fulks and Sarah Jones.
Julie Allen, director of elections and information technology for the Secretary of State's office, was the guest speaker. She spoke about various types of elections, electronic voting for military personnel, voter registration and the importance of each individual's vote.
Following lunch, students finished the day touring the offices in the courthouse as well as the county jail. Cheryl Duvall, Cher Caudel and Melissa Hentges, not present at the morning meeting, were able to speak with students as they cycled through on their tour.
"The sunny and milder weather Wednesday was very agreeable for our program and the need for students to be outside some of the time," said Jeanne Edwards, coordinator. "The county officials were very gracious to take time to speak to the students, often encouraging them in their future careers and in performing public service. It's a day when all the students learn something new."