Beverly Hills Mayor Lester Friedman, center, led the Youth in Government Day with participation by Beverly Hills High School students. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

On March 17, Beverly Hills High School Associated Student Body members experienced an engaging day at Beverly Hills City Hall, par­ticipating in the reinvigorated Youth in Government Day. The event, spearheaded by Mayor Lester Friedman as part of his may­oral initiative, aimed to provide the next generation of student leaders with a firsthand look at the work­ings of local government.

The day kicked off with a wel­come from Friedman, followed by introductions from City Council members and department heads, including the chief of police and fire chief. Each ASB student was assigned a leadership role, such as student mayor, student city manag­er or student commissioner, and had the unique opportunity to work alongside their real-world counter­parts. Through roundtable discus­sions with city officials, students gained a deeper understanding of municipal leadership and gover­nance, preparing them to apply the knowledge in a mock City Council meeting later in the day.

In two groups, students embarked on informative tours of city departments. Notably, tours included the Beverly Hills Police Department’s Real Time Watch Center, which showcased cutting-edge public safety technology. Students also visited the Beverly Hills Public Library, gaining insights into another vital aspect of municipal operations.

The program culminated in a mock City Council meeting, where students assumed their roles, engag­ing actively in discussions and pol­icy strategizing. The session allowed them to apply their new­found understanding to real-world scenarios, focusing on the logistics and community impact of hosting major global events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics.

“This event was not just an edu­cational opportunity – it was a chance for our ASB students to envision themselves as the leaders of tomorrow,” BHHS Principal Drew Stewart said. “Their proactive participation and the insights they gained today are instrumental in understanding how they can impact their community and embody the spirit of our school’s motto, ‘Today Well Lived.’”

The Youth in Government Day underscores the importance of part­nerships between the Beverly Hills Unified School District and the city of Beverly Hills, fostering a collab­orative spirit to enrich student edu­cation and civic engagement.

For information, visit bhusd.org.