The student government day hosted by the Whitehall Township Commissioners in May was such a rousing success the township and Whitehall High School have announced the program will return in 2014-15.

Next year, upper classmen will participate in the program held at the Whitehall Township municipal building. The mock government program allows students to share their ideas with the township.

Whitehall High School administrators and township officials praised the program and the enthusiasm displayed by the students.

Linda Snyder, president of the township board of commissioners, said the students in this year's program requested a medium for prom pictures and other special events, such as the Rose Garden in Allentown's Parkway. Whitehall has several parks that could feature a gazebo, veranda or similar backdrop.

Commissioner Phillip Armstrong said he was impressed with how well the students embraced their roles during the student government program.

"Fantastic, just fantastic," he said.

Armstrong, a retired Whitehall High School teacher, is credited by the township for bringing back the program, which years ago allowed students to shadow those in township government.

Mayor Edward D. Hozza Jr., in coordinating the township's role with the project, said the program was a success. Hozza added the students displayed enthusiasm, interest and knowledge.

Hozza said he is excited to bring back the program next year, which most likely would be held in the spring.

Adding sidewalks on MacArthur Road and garbage collection changes for 2015 were just some of the programs the student commissioners discussed and voted on.

The students, who shadowed their real-life township counterparts for a day, took on the roles of commissioner, president and vice resident; mayor, deputy mayor, zoning officer, police chief, fire chief, inspector and emergency management coordinator, development and planning bureau chief and public works supervisor.