Student leaders, mostly from their schools’ Student Cooperative Association (SCA), took over city and school system administrative offices on Tuesday, April 4, as participants in Virginia Beach City Public Schools (VBPCS) annual “Official for a Day” program (OFAD).

Senior and SCA Citywide Chairman Bella Rave and Princess Anne senior Reagan Bracknell co-chaired the event, planning and organizing every detail to ensure both students and city leaders had a positive experience.

“Everyone seemed to be having a good time with their appointed officials and there were no hiccups,” Rave said. “We were disappointed that the mayor couldn’t attend, but still thankful that we had some great speakers attend. I thought this day was a great way to start off Student Leadership Week and I’m happy that this event shows our student leaders different parts of our city and school system.”

Students met en masse at the Virginia Beach Convention Center in the morning for breakfast with their assigned city or school official. After a few words of wisdom from City Manager Dave Hansen students dispersed to all corners of the city to see the inner workings of Virginia Beach.

According to Hansen, the goal of OFAD is to encouraging students to pursue a career in public service, fostering the next generation of city leaders.

Junior Ian Lichacz was assigned to former Virginia Beach fire chief and now Deputy City Manager, where he spent his day observing all aspects of public safety within the city, including the police, fire, and emergency services departments.

Lichacz also had the opportunity to meet police dogs, gear up in fire fighter equipment, and tour the 911 call center.

“OFAD has always managed to spark a passion for municipal service within me,” Lichacz said. “This event is something truly awesome, you get to see so many things regular citizens would never see.”