Ten Macomb County high school students participated in Student Government Government Day with the county Board of Commissioners on Thursday, culminating with the essay winner from among 46 students being announced at the afternoon board meeting.

The annual event, which began three years ago, was held to provide students with an opportunity to learn about the purpose and mechanics of county-level government and to participate in a way that would enhance their understanding of how local government works, board officials said.

“It is always a great opportunity to bring our next generation of leaders in to see how our legislative branch works at the county,” board chair Joe Sabatini said in a press release. “They get a chance to experience different facets of what we do on a daily basis and understand how we strive to make our communities better.”

The students arrived at the board offices on the ninth floor of the county Administration Building in Mount Clemens and first listened to a welcome address by Sabatini, officials said, before they participated in small group discussions with commissioners that covered topics such as transparency in government, the county budget process and typical commissioner “situations.”

The second half of the day the students drafted a proclamation/tribute then were paired up with commissioners for a mock meeting to close out the official program.

Students were invited to attend the 3 p.m. regular board meeting, where Megan Morell from Lake Shore High School in St. Clair Shores was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from Advancing Macomb, nonprofit organization that convenes resources to solve community challenges and enrich residents’ lives.

Morell was presented an oversized check by Advancing Macomb Executive Director Phil Gilchrist and Commissioner Joe Romano of Sterling Heights, where Morell resides.

“It was amazing to actually see the local government and how it works and how it affects daily life,” Morell told commissioners. “People need to be aware of that.”

Sabatini said part of the reason for the special day is to increase awareness of local government among young people in an effort to get them more involved as they approach voting age.

The essay topic was, “What are the most prominent current environmental threats that affect our local area and what can be done to address them?” Commissioners choose the winning essay.

Gilchrist said his organization “is proud to support the Student Government Day Program and reward students’ thoughtful contributions to tackling real-world challenges. Through our collaboration with the Board of Commissioners, we are inspiring the next generation to make a meaningful impact.”

The board is composed of 13 members each representing a district and paid as part-time employees, including a full-time chair who is chosen by the board.

Additionally, a handful of staffers administer the board.