WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Honorary officials for the day! On Friday, three students from the Graham Academy, a school providing education for students with autism and emotional challenges, got to serve as honorary officials in the City of Wilkes-Barre.
Three students, Hunter, Michael, and Dallas, were honored at city hall they had the chance to serve as the city of Wilkes-Barre Mayor, fire chief, and city council.
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In celebration of April's world autism awareness month, the mayor's office recognized three young men, each receiving their own proclamation.
Their teachers say the honor speaks to the student's progress in school.
"I've been with the Graham Academy since 2015 and some of these guys have been there since before me and you know. Just to see the growth that they have had in our program, from behavioral to communication, and to see them get this opportunity and to be as successful as they are today, that's why we do our job. It's great to see," said Corey Koons, program director of Graham Academy.
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And the newly appointed officials wasted no time getting to work.
"They taught me how to basically just raise and lower it and they taught me the basic controls of it, how it functions, and what they'd basically be doing with it," said Michael Sims, honorary fire chief of Wilkes-Barre.
The mayor and city councilman scoped out Public Square, which will host Saturday's "Light It Up Blue" autism awareness event, a celebration featuring a 5K, live music, food trucks, and more.
"Well hopefully set up the event for tomorrow, you know make sure things are running smoothly," said Dallas McGowan, honorary city councilman.
Like many public officials, the young men have goals they hope to accomplish while in office.
Policy aside, the day was special for all involved.
"Oh, it's awesome. It's awesome. He's an awesome kid, and we're really proud to be here," said Maynard King, Hunter's dad.
Saturday's "Light It Up Blue" celebration kicks off at 10:00 a.m.
