Oxford, AL – April 23, 2025 — Oxford High School students swapped textbooks for City Hall on Wednesday as part of the city’s long-running Student Government Day tradition. Designed to give students a hands-on experience in local government, the annual event once again proved to be both educational and entertaining.
Students who had been elected to various city leadership roles through in-school elections spent the day shadowing Oxford officials, meeting department heads, and touring city facilities. The day began at City Hall with a warm welcome from Mayor Alton Craft and the Oxford City Council, setting the tone for a full schedule of civic immersion.
Split into groups, the students explored key city locations including the East Metro Area Crime Center, where they met with Police Chief Bill Partridge, as well as the Oxford Police Department, Cider Ridge Golf Club, and the Oxford Civic Center. They later reconvened to take part in a mock City Council meeting, where the student-appointed “Interim Mayor of Oxford” passed a proclamation — an exciting moment that allowed students to step directly into decision-making roles.
In true Student Government Day spirit, the fun didn’t stop at policy. Two unsuspecting Oxford High School teachers — Basketball Coach Mike Romano and Track and Field Coach Landon Delozier — found themselves at the center of a light-hearted mock arrest. With sirens blaring and handcuffs ready, student “police officers” escorted the animated “suspects” to the city jail, followed by a spirited mock trial at the Municipal Court, where both coaches staged dramatic (and unsuccessful) escape attempts to the amusement of all involved.
Following the courtroom antics, students, city staff, and faculty shared lunch at the Oxford Civic Center, capping off a memorable day of leadership and learning.
“This is one of the days our city staff looks forward to the most,” said Mayor Craft. “It’s a hands-on and fun way to get the next generation interested and involved in their city government. Our fire chief, Gary Sparks, is actually a product of one of these special days — he was elected fire chief as a high school student. That just shows you the impact it can have.”
Now a decades-long tradition, Student Government Day continues to be a favorite among both students and staff, offering a unique opportunity to learn, laugh, and maybe even get “arrested” — all in the name of civic education.
Photos Courtesy of the City of Oxford
