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Chamber HCHS Leadership Class meets local government

First Row: Jason Batts, Taylor Ramage, Nathan Hartsell, Hunter Leblanc, Jacob Stahr, Nathan Howell, Judge Whitesell Second Row: Carley Byassee, Averee Jewell, Madelyne Reynolds, Cassidy Luker, Alyssa Moore, Tristin Boaz, Emily Pickard Third Row: Melanie Dowdy, Cinda Yates, Chase Boaz, Ally Samuel, Chelsea Johnson, Anna Ferguson, Caylee Barnett, Lauren Cox

Hickman County High School Chamber of Commerce Leadership students met with elected officials on Thursday. Students met first with District Judge Hunter Whitesell and court personnel then it was on to the executive and legislative branches.

Judge Whitesell encouraged the sophomores to consider a legal career. Good grades and reading ability are primary requirements. The Judge told students there is no one perfect major, telling them he majored in art.

Hickman County Attorney Jason Batts, a Hickman County High School graduate, told students about his job as county attorney. Batts used a shoplifting scenario to teach students the step by step process of the criminal justice system.

Circuit Clerk Cinda Yates stressed the importance of jury service. She said that high school students are sometimes called for jury duty if they are at least 18 years old. She and Assistant Circuit Clerk Melanie Dowdy explained the innovations in technology in court management.

Students viDeputy Dennis McDanielsited the main courthouse and heard from County Clerk James "Jimbo" Berry describe the duties of his office. They were especially intrigued by the old records stored in his office. Hickman County was the first county of the Jackson Purchase and many of the oldest records are stored in the county clerk's office.

PVA Amanda Ballantine showed students the aerial photographs her office now uses. In some cases, police are assisted by them. "If they need to get to a house by an alternate route, the maps come in handy." she told students.

Deputy Sheriff Dennis McDaniel, shown at left, shared stories of his years as a police officer. Students also heard of the new equipment being used by 911 operators. After the Hickman County jail closed last fall, the emergency service relocated to a larger more convenient room in the facility.

The students spent the last hour of their law and government day hearing how Clinton City government and Hickman County Fiscal Court operate.

County Judge Kenny Wilson is a retired educator, having served as Hickman County Superintendent of Schools. "Between these two jobs, this one is easier." He told the students.

Three Clinton city council members, Howard Dillard who has been on the council since the 1980s, explained why he joined the council. "I was radical when I came back from Vietnam." He told students. He wanted to help his African American community, so he ran for office and won.

Shown at right, Laura Poole, the newest member of the council brought her daughter, Lilly, along with her. Laura told students she has put together several jobs and is using her museum management college education. Ivan Potter spoke to the students the potential of the area.

Chief of Police Ben Natividad, at left addressing students and sponsors, is a graduate of Hickman County High. Natividad summed up the advice that all participants were trying to communicate to the 15 and 16 year old students.

"If you had told me I would be here when I was your age, I would not believe you. My sights weren't very high.

Don't let anyone define who you are. Be yourself and work hard."


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