A real-life civics lesson plays out each month for Neil Abbott, a Carroll County High School junior.
Abbott was selected to be the teen representative on the Carrollton City Council in January. He will serve until December of his senior year so he has a full 12 months to enmesh himself into city government.
“It’s interesting getting to see how everything works,” Abbott said, noting recent discussions on salaries for Carrollton Police Department officers was especially important to him because his dad is a retired CPD Officer and his brother also worked at the department for a few years.
He was chosen for the teen council representative because he is a member of the Young Leaders group at CCHS. “If you’re successful enough to participate in and be focused enough to be in the young leaders then that's certainly sufficient for me,” Carrollton Mayor Robb Adams said.
Superintendent Casey Jaynes said, “we appreciate the city council taking the opportunity to allow another voice to be heard. I am quite sure that Mr. Abbott can bring a unique perspective as to how the city council and Carroll County Schools can work together to further improve the education for all students.”
The teen council spot was created in 1978. At one point, there were two teenagers on the council, but it’s been pared back to one.
“When I saw Neil was on the list, I knew him and knew he’s a good kid,” Adams said.
Abbott does not have a vote on the council, but he does give a report like the elected members. “I can have input if I choose to,” he added.
“It gives them an opportunity to give a report at every meeting on things that are going on at the school, maybe prom, ball games, special events, certain dates people should know about, any program they have that’s community oriented,” Adams said. “It also gives them an opportunity to see how the city government works.”
Both Abbott and Adams said it’s enlightening to see how projects such as the annual July 4 fireworks or the implementation of the splash park at Point Park happen. “I’ve been able to sit in and see how it comes to be. It doesn’t just appear,” Abbott said.
Abbott suggested his peers should attend government meetings. “A lot of people who go to school here will end up staying here. For the community to grow, people need to be involved and know what’s going on.”