GREEN COVE SPRINGS — Five local high school students were recognized for their work as county commissioners at Tuesday’s board meeting.

The county began hosting its newest Commissioner for a Day program, inviting seniors to spend a day with District 1 Commissioner John Sgromolo and learn about how local government serves the community.

The students were from Fleming Island, Middleburg, Keystone Heights and Clay highs and St. Johns Country Day School.. 

Sgromlo said the group was chosen from a rigorous application process. A little more than 20 students applied. 

From visiting with Clay County Clerk of Court Tara Green and Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook to talking public safety with Fire Rescue and natural disasters with the Clay County Emergency Operations Center, Sgromolo said the students got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run the county smoothly.

The students also participated in a budget workshop on the dais.

“Congratulations to these five, they balanced the budget,” Sgromolo said.

Along with being presented with certificates, each speaker shared some things they learned from the program. Highlights included the animal service’s collaboration with the county, the role of commissioners in the lives of citizens and law enforcement’s ticketing system.

“The future of our county is in great hands,” Sgromolo said. “I think every stop we made offered them a job today, which was really cool.”

Sgromolo said the program is something the county hopes to continue in the future and involve other commissioners.

“It’s really important to continue to get our youth involved,” he said.