On Jan. 26, students, community members and elected representatives gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the first-ever fifth-grade student council at Abram Jenks School at 2501 S. 13th St. in the Lower Moyamensing neighborhood.
In preparation for the election, students registered to vote and cast their ballots in the school auditorium, which transformed into a polling place. Candidates hoping to represent their class ran campaigns and participated in a debate.
The winners took an oath of office during a school-wide ceremony attended by state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, Councilman Mark Squilla, Jenks Principal Siouda Douglas and other School District of Philadelphia officials.
“Our community is grateful for your leadership, inside the classroom and out,” said Fiedler.
Fiedler last visited Jenks School after helping secure $150,000 in state grant money for the construction of a playground. Groundbreaking on the project is expected to begin later this year.
