By Heather Graves
Correspondent
BELLEVUE – The most recent graduates of the village’s Citizens Academy were recognized at the April 24 board meeting.
It was the eighth class to go through the program.
The multiple-week program is intended to educate participants in the structure and function of local government.
The academy consists of different evening seminars – each focusing on one element of local government.
Village staff facilitates in-depth informational sessions on village departments – including law enforcement, fire protection, public works, budget/finance, community development and parks/recreation services.
Village Administrator Diane Wessel said the goals of the academy are to provide an educational experience for participants at the same time offering an opportunity for residents to ask questions.
“It has been an inquisitive and engaging group that has asked staff a lot of questions and we feel students have really learned a lot about their village, our role as staff and local government in general,” Wessel said.
The program is held annually with a maximum of 30 participants and all the sessions are held at locations within the village.
“This year was a little different for the last session, I invited representatives of Casa Alba, (the Hispanic Resource Center of the greater Green Bay area) to speak to the group,” she said.
The academy is no cost to participants due to a donation from the Guyette Family.
As part of the graduation ceremony, each participant received a certificate highlighting their achievement.