PHOTO #1: Citizens Academy participant Joe Geistman asks a question during the final 2022 Citizens Academy session Feb. 3 at the Community Center annex.
PHOTO #2: Councilman Dr. Andrew Young, second from left, answers a question as part of a City Council panel discussion during the final 2022 Citizens Academy session Feb. 3 at the Community Center annex.
PHOTO #3: Zach Wendel received the “Check It Out Challenge Master” award during the final 2022 Citizens Academy session Feb. 3 at the Community Center annex. Shown from left are Mayor Jeff Bauknight, Zach Wendel, City Manager Jesús A. Garza and Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel.
PHOTO #4: Alfred Reinhardt received the “Most Engaged” award during the final 2022 Citizens Academy session Feb. 3 at the Community Center annex. Shown from left are Mayor Jeff Bauknight, Alfred Reinhardt, City Manager Jesús A. Garza and Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel.
The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs on Feb. 3 hosted the final session of the 2022 Citizens Academy, a program that provides information and resources to engage residents and promote good citizenship, at the Community Center annex.
During the four-week program, leaders from various City departments and partner organizations taught participants about their local government. Participants also had the option of attending tours of the Victoria Office of Emergency Management, the Victoria Fire Department fire drill field and the Victoria Surface Water Treatment Plant.
“Our goal is to create an impactful environment where residents not only learn but engage in two-way dialogue with the decision-makers who strive to enhance the livability of our community,” said Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel. “I’m hopeful that our participants will use what they’ve learned to stay engaged with their local government and encourage others to do the same.”
At the Feb. 3 session, participants watched informative videos featuring City leaders, heard the program’s final presentations and participated in a question-and-answer panel with members of the City Council.
After the panel, residents participated in a brief graduation ceremony and received certificates acknowledging their participation in Citizens Academy. In addition, Zach Wendel was recognized for completing weekly “Check It Out Challenges” during the program, and Alfred Reinhardt was recognized for outstanding engagement.
Residents who complete Citizens Academy, the Civilian Responder Program and the Civilian Police Academy are eligible to receive the Distinguished Citizen Award and will be recognized by the City Council. Residents are encouraged to follow City of Victoria, Texas – Government on Facebook and subscribe to The City View to be notified when registration opens for these programs.
To view photos from the 2022 Citizens Academy, click here.