MONTICELLO, NY — A group of approximately 30 Sullivan West high-schoolers spent much of Nov. 16 learning about the people and offices who serve their county.

Youth services manager Kristen Kitson said the Sullivan County Youth Bureau facilitated the field trip so that local teens “could better understand the important tasks Sullivan County government undertakes every day, and the important role they can play in accomplishing those tasks. They came to ask questions and engage with leaders, something we want to offer to all our school districts and their high school students.”

The day kicked off with legislature meetings, where teens learned in real time how resolutions are discussed and passed in committee. That was followed by insights from Mike Brooks, the legislature’s vice chair; Nancy Buck, the county treasurer; Tom Cawley, the deputy county attorney; Deanna Armbrust-Cruz, commissioner of jurors; and Andrew McCabe, information technology services director of application development and support.

“I was very impressed with how attentive these high-schoolers were,” said Buck. “They seemed truly interested in what we had to say and how they can be a part of County government. I welcome future visits like these, especially since some of these young people may one day be working in and running local government.”

The Youth Bureau will be hosting Eldred Junior-Senior High School students in December. Kitson encourages other area school districts to set up a visit by calling 845-807-0394 or emailing kristen.kitson2@sullivanny.us.