Some local school children got an up close lesson in civics this week when they attended the Valley Grande Council meeting.

Councilmembers of Valley Grande Elementary’s second grade classes joined the Valley Grande Council Monday night for its regular meeting.

The young elected officials shared their ideas with the Valley Grande Council and present public. There was a consensus among the kiddie council that the town needs a movie theater, more playgrounds and more pizza.

The classes have been working on anti-littering projects and a snack sale project where they raised $101, which they presented to Valley Grande Mayor Tom Lee to do great things for the city.

They also presented the council with a thank you card on behalf of the Valley Grande Student Council for the Valley Grande Council’s donations to the school this year.

“What you all are doing now, the way y’all are helping out in your class, and what you do as councilmembers and as mayors, that’s what makes this country go,” Lee said.

Students are more apt to get excited about civics and social studies when they see the process in action.

As a result, they’ll be more likely to be registered voters, and to get involved in public service as adults.

The teachers and leaders of programs such as these should be commended, as should the students and the local council members for making the effort.