Civic Duty Firsthand, One Office at a Time
Following a field trip to the Hardin County Courthouse last fall, social studies teacher Chasity Viator thanked officials and county staff for their assistance and described the day as “impactful for all involved.” As noted below, one of the seniors, Ben Kirkendall, is the son of Hardin County Commissioner Chris Kirkendall! Our thanks to Mrs. Viator for sharing the experience with County Progress.
Last fall, the Legacy Christian Academy 12th grade U.S. Government students went on a trip to engage with Hardin County government. They had no idea what they would uncover during the many stops of this informative field trip!
The day started when they met Commissioner Chris Kirkendall on the first floor of the courthouse. The Commissioner is no stranger to Legacy Christian Academy. He’s known by one student as Dad, by others as Pastor Kirkendall, and by those on the field as Coach Kirkendall. When I contacted Commissioner Kirkendall about coming to the courthouse, he and his staff were more than happy to put together a day of experiential learning for the students. Greeted with smiles and excitement, the seniors traveled to the courthouse dome as they learned about the history of the county, including its establishment, key figures, and changes over time. What an experience, to see things from visual artwork that represented this history to the columns from the original courthouse building.
The next stop was a visit with County Attorney Matt Minick, who shared his educational journey, passion for service, and the need for future public servants in the law field. Mr. Minick also extended an invitation to the students to consider an internship in county government.
Then, it was off to meet Sheriff Mark Davis. He gave a synopsis of what he oversees in his department, showed the students where offenders are booked and held, and ultimately conveyed what an experience in jail is like. The students walked away realizing that life is about choices! In addition, the group met the heroes in the command center where 911 calls are received.
The Emergency Management Department allowed the students to see how the county is organized and ready to keep citizens safe. It is here they met Aaron Tupper, the man with many hats! Aaron shared how he coordinates with multiple departments to ensure citizens are prepared in the event of an emergency, from fires to hurricanes. This is not a job for the faint of heart, but for one who has to be ready 24/7. The students were impressed with the efficiency of Mr. Tupper and his department, especially since he is a “one-man show.”
Next stop: A county court observation! As the students journeyed here, they were advised that the day did not hold much action on the docket; however they were able to observe two simple cases that were settled. County Judge Wayne McDaniel spoke to the group afterward and gave us a little humor by calling up student Ben Kirkendall to the stand, enhancing the experience.
County Treasurer Deborah McWilliam discussed the checks and balances of operating millions of dollars in a budget, from payroll to maintenance projects. Students asked why one employee counts the money coming in and another receives, verifies, and posts it in the corresponding account. One student was under the impression that a county managed thousands, not millions of dollars! While the students study government efficiency and accountability in school, seeing it in action adds new meaning!
Tax Assessor-Collector Steve Smith talked briefly about his office and the paying of property taxes. He explained what these funds are used for and how Hardin County strives to keep the taxes down for their residents. Students were able to see an example of a property tax statement and watch how paying property taxes transpires in a real-life setting. These are life skills that students need to learn. As young adults, they have a goal to one day own a home, and paying property taxes will be part of it!
Records, records, and more records, oh my! The team in the County Clerk’s office that keeps track of all things filed was impressive! The students were in awe of the records kept dating back from the 1840s to the present, and they were impressed with the preservation of the older documents. They learned the importance of filing so that when copies of documents such as birth certificates and military records are needed, they can be found. Students often ask, “How do you know that?” Well, we have primary source documents and records, as we learned in the clerk’s office!
The first stop in the County Annex was the County Health Department, where the group learned about access to WIC, vaccinations, and general health care. They also learned about the importance of epidemiology.
Veterans should never be forgotten by anyone, and their selflessness to serve is priceless. Hardin County has an office that helps veterans access the benefits they need and deserve. Kristen White shared her experience as a veteran and explained the potential college benefits some of the students may have access to because of their family’s veteran status.
While at the County Annex, Justice of the Peace Rod Ousley explained some of the tasks he manages in his position. As he closed, Judge Ousley asked the students to make a promise to him, that if they were ever in a situation where the decision that they make could mean life or death, that they choose the route that allows the chance of life. What a beautiful way to show care and concern for these young people!
The group returned to the courthouse and was warmly greeted by District Attorney Rebecca Walton. She explained that the cases that her office tries are criminal. The students were able to see the strength and endurance that it takes to fulfill the duties within. Then, students were able to spend a short time sitting in on a criminal court case.
Juvenile Probation was our last stop at the courthouse, and these seniors had an eye-opening lesson on all that is involved. The gravity of the situations and sentences faced by those on probation weighed heavily on the faces of our Legacy students.
Our final stop was the Hardin County Museum. This was a meaningful end to our day as students learned about some of the ‘who’s who’ from the past and reflected on how our history continues to shape our future.
It’s one thing to sit in a classroom and read about the county government in our great state, but it’s a another to engage in person. Our county governments are the heartbeat of Texas, and we couldn’t be as successful as we are without the civil servants in each and every department.
“It was a day that left a lasting impression on these young men who will be graduating this May,” Mrs. Jones shared. “They were able to hear from the county professionals about their career paths and to be inspired by their dedication to serving the citizens of Hardin County.”
