Pelham fifth-graders got a chance to run the city last week as part of the annual Youth in Government Day.

Valley Intermediate School students held a mock city council meeting May 15 and passed resolutions ranging from requesting a new middle school to curbing litter.

Earlier in the day, more than 200 students got a hands-on look at city government by touring the administration office and library. The young politicians also visited the revenue, court, police, fire, water and public works departments.

&8220;The city is proud to sponsor this annual event, and the students seem to enjoy the hands-on learning experience,&8221; said Marsha Yates, executive secretary for Pelham.

Back in April, students ran for city offices, making campaign speeches to their classmates. Those students elected to office shadowed their city staff counterparts for the day and gave departmental reports at the pretend council meeting.

&8220;We try to mold them into good citizens,&8221; said Assistant Principal Dana Payne. &8220;Understanding city government and its duties is part of that.&8221;