Our Town is Better Than Yours!

True statement.

Cheney is a small town in the heart of Kansas.  The city truly cares about the people who live here. Especially the school kids.

For over a decade the City of Cheney has put on the "City Government Day" for our 7th grade students at the middle school.  Each year the city provides an opportunity for our kids to experience their town like never before.  And if you've spent a any time around teenagers, you can understand what a BIG deal this is.

The students are able to travel around Cheney with the City Administrator who gives them all the dirty details that go into operating a city.  Our teens peer into the 85 ft. hand-dug well, learn how many gallons of water is held in the water tower, and see the amazing power the sun plays in our waste removal system.

Checking out the sewage system.

CMS students also travel to the fire station where they get to operate a thermal camera in a smoke-filled room, learn about vehicle safety (since driving is right around the corner), and use the jaws of life to rip apart a car.  This year the kids had to team up to try and direct a fire hose spray at some cones across the yard.  Not as easy as it looks...

One of the most beneficial stops along their tour is library and City Hall.  The Library Board okay-ed the renovation of the loft area above the library into a Young Adult Section. This area was created specifically to encourage teens to read, study, and socialize in a positive environment.  It has worked! The loft space has teens utilizing it every afternoon after school!

Cheney City Hall allows 7th graders the opportunity to participate in a "mock city council meeting," role playing council members, debating issues important to them, and learning what goes in to each decision the council makes.  Teens love to argue debate over the time for the town curfew!

Holding a City Council meeting and debating the time for the town curfew!

CMS 7th Graders end their day out at Cherry Oaks Golf Course learning how much time, effort, and attention goes into keeping the 18 holes in top-notch shape.  They are always amazed at how short the grass is cut on the green!

There is no other town in Kansas that provides this kind of in-depth look at the inner workings of a city government.  No town that comes together to prove just how important the young people of the community are, and how student voice is important.  It's just simple.

Our town is better than yours!