MANITOWOC (NBC 26) — Students walked up the Manitowoc County Courthouse stairs on Tuesday with a mission in mind, as a part of Youth in Government Day.
"Let them take a look at what goes on on a regular basis at the county level," said Post Commander 77 Dean Koenig. "So each one of the different branches, we go through the courthouse, the clicker courts, the treasurer's office, and so on."
Koenig is part of the Manitowoc American Legion. The group spearheaded this day for students, sitting in the seats of local leaders, among local heroes who served. They hope it sparks interest and maybe a career in public service.
“Some of the students were questioning the Judge and the District Attorney on what happens, and what's a search warrant or some of the aspects of what's going on," said Koenig. "So, the light bulb moments, as I like to call them."
The high schoolers enjoyed it, as well.
“I liked hearing the judge talk about how he does different rulings and stuff, that’s interesting to me," said Hailey Helms from Kiel High School.
Another young women liked learning about the history of the courthouse, and getting out of the classroom.
“Learning more out of school… And coming here and experiencing what actually happens is so nice,” said Brookyn Scharenbroch from Lincoln High School.
It's all about hearing the history, while engaging head on.
“They get taught to them in school, and now, they get to see the practical application in real life," said Koenig. "And it's one of the core tenets of what the American Legion does”
Potential judges, attorneys and clerks seeing their futures.
