Student Council Spends Time Learning From Area Leaders

Members of the Bell County High School Student Council take leadership development seriously. Earlier this year, five Student Council members were selected to participate in the Youth Leadership Council. Each month, Ashlyn Stewart, Sophia Good, Payton Elliott, Briar Baker, and Leah Jones engage in activities designed to strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their understanding of civic responsibility.

This month, the students had the opportunity to tour several key government facilities, including the “Old” Courthouse, which houses much of Bell County’s fiscal operations; the “New” Courthouse, home to the judicial center; and both city halls.

The day began over breakfast from The Table near Binghamtown Baptist Church in Middlesboro, where the students met with Mayor Boone Bowling. Mayor Bowling spoke with the group about exciting citywide projects and the day-to-day operations of his office. Students also toured the city council chambers and discussed the important role council members play in local government.

At the “Old” Courthouse, the Bobcat representatives met with several county officials to gain a firsthand look at the daily operations of county government. They visited the deed room with County Clerk Debbie Gambrel, who explained the importance of records maintained in the building, including marriage licenses and property deeds dating back generations. Mrs. Gambrel also discussed how elections are conducted in Bell County, including the upcoming primary in May. The group continued their tour with visits to the offices of Bell County Property Valuation Administrator Ben Barnett and Sheriff Mitchell Williams, where students learned about the shared responsibilities of tax notices and tax collection. Upstairs, County Attorney Chris Douglas met with the students to explain the role of the County Attorney, including responsibilities within District Court and child support cases. The tour concluded with Judge/Executive Albey Brock, who guided the students through the Fiscal Court meeting space and explained the role of magistrates, the purpose of monthly Fiscal Court meetings, and his day to day responsibilities as well as some of the exciting projects currently underway in the county. During the tour, each of the officials took the time to answer questions and give advice to these future leaders who have varied career goals, but all of whom plan to have an active role in their community.

At the “New” Courthouse, officially known as the Farmer Helton Judicial Center, students met Circuit Court Clerk Colby Slusher and his staff, who shared the wide range of duties handled by their office. Students learned that the judicial center oversees everything from adoption decrees and fee payments to court records for both District and Circuit Court. The group also met with Judge Robert Yoakum, who explained the differences between District and Circuit Court, his involvement in Kentucky Specialty Courts such as Drug Court, and the impact these programs have in helping individuals rebuild their lives. Upstairs, students observed a live criminal proceeding presided over by Judge Keith Nagle.

Overall, the students experienced an engaging and educational day, gaining valuable insight into leadership, public service, and the work of local government through the guidance of Bell County’s elected officials.

Thank you Partners for Rural Impact FSCS Coordinator Kryta Partin for taking our students and to the Bell County Chamber of Commerce for providing the opportunity!