Amanda McDonald, a senior at Biloxi High School, took over the reins of Biloxi city government Tuesday when she was named Mayor as part of the Biloxi Elks Lodge 606’s annual Youth in Government Day.
McDonald shadowed Mayor A.J. Holloway throughout the day as her classmates from Biloxi High and Mercy Cross followed other key city workers to learn more about municipal government.
“This is a very educational program for the future leaders of our city,” Holloway said. “In addition to helping them learn more about their city and city government, it may help some of them decide that they want to go into government.”
The day will begin with a 7:30 a.m. breakfast at the Elks Lodge, where students will be partnered with key city administrators, who they will follow throughout the morning. After lunch on the Town Green, they will meet at City Hall for a briefing on city government, followed by a tour of city facilities. As their last official act, students will help preside at the 6 p.m. City Council meeting.
Other students and their duties are:
- Jennifer Mayfield, Chief Administrative Officer.
- Twaun Samuel, director of Legal Department;
- Keith Polovich, Fire Chief;
- Joel Wilson, Director of Public Works;
- Maegan Wilson, downtown services manager;
- Vinh Nguyen, Police Chief and Ward 1 Councilmember;
- David Blaine, Community Development director and Ward 2 Councilmember;
- Julie Parr, museums and Ward 3 Councilmember;
- Amiee Tarrant, Human Resources manager and Ward 4 Councilmember;
- Sarah Fletcher, Parks and Recreation director and Ward 5 Councilmember;
- Matt Blaine, Information Systems manager and Ward 5 Councilmember;
- Robert Reeder, Public Affairs manager and Ward 7 Councilmember.
