Sixteen seniors from the school will take over the reins of the township's government May 16. Students will take part of everything from the office of mayor to taking seats on the township's board of commissioners.

Recently appointed Commissioner Phillps Armstrong, a retired Whitehall teacher, brought the idea before the commissioners last month.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr and the commissioners supported the program at the April 7 workshop meeting.

Armstrong said the township had a student government day decades ago, when students shadowed elected and appointed officials as they went through their day.

Armstrong said the school administration and the high school government teacher supported the program.

"I met with the students who signed up," Armstrong stated, mentioning they are raring to go.

The students gave their preference on what role they would prefer holding for the event. Another session is planned between Armstrong and the students.

There will be a student mayor, police chief, fire chief, seven commissioners, a zoning officer, a development bureau chief and a recreation department director, among other things.

The student board of commissioners will meet and take action, voting on topics its members bring to the table. Although not binding, the student's actions will be presented to the elected board of commissioners.

"I gave them some suggestions," Armstrong said, such as what should be done in the future of a tract at Schadt Avenue and Mauch Chunk Road.

He mentioned telling the seniors that they should not think a particular post belongs to a male or a female. The township presently is served by several women in key posts, such as police chief, zoning, planning, development bureau chief, treasurer and board of commissioners president.