City Hall looked a little different Tuesday night, Oct. 21. Students filled the council seats, taking over for aldermen and city staff during Palos Heights’ annual Mayor for a Day program.
Held during the Committee of the Whole meeting, the event gave middle school students a close look at how city government works.
Mayor Robert Straz called each student to the front to recognize their role, handing out certificates with Nancy Clark of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club.
“It’s such a great accomplishment seeing these great kids come out here,” Straz said. “They’re a fine example of what’s going on in our grammar schools right now.”
He encouraged them to stay involved as they head into high school, joining clubs, volunteering, and becoming “good patrons of government.”
The mock meeting followed a real agenda. Students voted to approve the purchase of a hot chocolate station for $500, supported a zoning ordinance for a property on Song Avenue, and backed a 2026 salt reduction program focused on safer, more sustainable winter maintenance. They also discussed updating the city’s water meter system to improve efficiency. Each motion ended with a polite, “Thank you, Mayor,” and a few proud smiles from the council table.
Mike “Big Mike” Gierman of Palos South served as the student mayor. When asked what he focused on in his essay, he didn’t miss a beat. “Making Palos Heights a better place,” he said. “And not banning electric scooters. Kids are still going to ride them.”
Natalie Nemeh and Dylan Reynolds, both from Independence Junior High, kept things running as city clerk and treasurer. At their sides were Haley Karr, Jacob Hach, Eleanor Doyle, Abigail Guevara, Madelyn Kennedy, Cecilia Weston, Jackson Doorhy, and Kellan Gonsur, along with Elle Enright, who served as city attorney.
“It was fun and interactive,” said Abigail Guevara. “It was nice to see how they actually conduct meetings.”
Haley Karr and Cecilia Weston said they’d encourage other students to try it next year.
Kellan Gonsur said the experience gave him “a lot of pride and confidence” in representing his community. He also gave a shout-out to his seventh-grade science teacher, Mr. Katsenis, who calls him “Schefty” for always knowing the latest NFL stats.
The program was led by Nancy Clark of the Palos Heights Woman’s Club, who has been a member since 2012. Her late mother, Jane Clark, served as club president in 2000.
“The Palos Heights Woman’s Club was founded in 1938,” Clark said. “Our motto is ‘Forever forward, together,’ and that’s what this is about, helping the next generation learn about leadership and their community.”
Clark said 24 essays were submitted this year and that the students’ creativity and thoughtfulness stood out. “You can tell they care about their community,” she said.
For a few hours, these students didn’t just imagine running their city. They actually did.
