Gearity students get to be 'Mayor for a Day'

Mayor Infeld with (L-R) Mackenzie Hollis and Maple Buescher. Photo by Dori Nelson-Hollis.

Hopefully, the power didn’t go to their heads.

Two Gearity Professional Development School students recently got to be “Mayor for a Day.”

Third graders Maple Buescher and Mackenzie Hollis had the privilege of shadowing University Heights Mayor Susan Infeld for an afternoon. The girls earned the honor by being the top fundraisers in Gearity PTA’s Walk-a-Thon last fall.

Buescher said she enjoyed touring the University Heights firehouse, police station and city hall. “I never knew the inside of city hall was so big,” she said. “It looks smaller from the outside. I think being mayor would be a fun, but difficult, job."

Hollis had prepared a list of questions for the mayor, including, "Why does Westwood Road get so much water?" 

Infeld's answer: "There have been several breaks in the waterline on Westwood Road in recent years, causing water to flow freely down the street. I'm happy to report that the Cleveland Water Department will replace the waterline this year."

Hollis said she enjoyed spending time at city hall. “It was very cool and I liked ruling the city."

According to Mayor Infeld, the two "mayors" each pounded the gavel on the desk in council chambers to hear how loud a sound it made.

“We really enjoyed having Maple and Mackenzie visit us and hope they learned more about how the city works,” said Infeld.

Two other students also learned what it’s like to be a high-profile leader. Laurel Buescher, Maple’s younger sister, and Ryann Fishel, who are both kindergarteners, earned the second prize in the Walk-a-Thon. They were "Principal for a Day," and shadowed Gearity Principal Sherry Miller.

“Overall, we raised $1,500 to help fund such things as transportation for field trips and after-school enrichment programs,” said Dori Nelson-Hollis, Gearity PTA president. “Mackenzie and Maple were so close in fundraising that we decided to reward two winners.”

Nelson-Hollis said Fiona Conner Kuntz, Gearity physical education teacher, organized the fundraiser as another way to incorporate physical activity into the students’ day.

Scott Heasley

Scott Heasley is a Gearity PTA member whose daughter and son attend the school.

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Volume 5, Issue 3, Posted 12:46 PM, 02.28.2012