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The Pike County Junior Ambassadors were out and about again Tuesday learning about city and county government and the role local government plays in their lives.

The junior ambassadors visited the City of Troy, Troy Fire Department, Pike County Courthouse and Pike County Commission office.

“Today’s outing was a great way for our local high school juniors to meet with their elected official across Pike County and the City of Troy,” said Emily Aaron, chamber vice president. “It also helps them to see the different aspects of the Pike County Courthouse and Troy City Hall to show what all it takes to make Pike County successful.”

A highlight of the day’s activities was lunch with Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves and council members Marcus Paramore, Wanda Moultry, Stephanie Baker and Greg Meeks.

Reeves laughingly told the junior ambassadors that, as mayor, he is the only guy in town that works for everybody.

“I’m not the high man on the totem pole; I’m at the bottom,” the mayor said. “It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Troy and to work with the council.”

Reeves commended the junior ambassadors on their dedication to their communities and for the “gumption and interest to be a part of the junior ambassador program.”

Council Members Wanda Moultry and Stephanie Baker also commended the junior ambassadors on their desire to make a difference in their communities.

“You are young and, as some of us older people move out, you will have opportunities to move in,” Moultry said.

Baker commended the students on pursuing the opportunities that are available to them to learn more, know more and do more.

“What you learn through this program will make a difference, now and in the future,” she said.

Meeks and Paramore commended the junior ambassadors on their interest in seeing how business works and how the real world works.

“It is hard to lead without knowing what is going on,” Paramore said. “I commend you on your wanting to know more and in your willingness to take leadership positions.”

Dana Sanders, Pike County Chamber of Commerce president, said four ambassadors are selected by application from each of the counties four high schools, Charles Henderson, Goshen, Pike County and Pike Liberal Arts.

The Pike County Chamber of Commerce 2019-2020 Junior Ambassadors are:  Charles Henderson High School – Mary Soltze, Ashlyn Shaver, Jaylan Rouse and Laney Kelly; Goshen High School, Brady Barr, Adrian Bundy, Mary-Kaye Mills and Tyler Lee; Pike County High School – John Michael Childs, Joshlyn Johnson, Anthony P. Carter, II and Ta’Shia Sheppard; and Pike Liberal Arts School – Abigail Garrett, Scott Renfroe, JD Wilson, Jr. and Addi Garrott.

“The program consists of a leadership training day, field days, a leadership project and volunteer experience,” Sanders said. “The program would not be possible without our sponsors and we thank them for their support. The Junior Ambassadors Program is making a difference in individual lives and in our community.”