SAUGUS — Student Government Day made Saugus High School’s Toni Turilli a leader. For four hours on Friday, she soaked it up.
“I really like getting involved in debates at school,” said the sophomore, who wasn’t afraid to put mock citizens in their place when she felt they were out of line.
“I like politics because I like how nothing is ever one sided,” she said. “You have to make your argument.”
Turilli banged the gavel at any disruption, and told more than one citizen to take a seat or get out.
“This is where it all starts, with your own town or city,” she said. “A lot of people are oblivious to what goes on in the town and I think getting involved at a young age is important.”
Turilli, along with Joseph Cross, Nicholas Melillo, Allison Leblanc, and Madely Claffey, served as the Board of Selectmen and were tasked with requests from residents for parades, banners, and block parties.
They were guided by real selectmen, who went back and forth as helpers to concerned citizens.
Selectmen Jeff Cicolini took to the podium and gave the teenagers a run for their money, taking issue with the time of the parade. Turilli informed him that the world doesn’t revolve around his sleep schedule.
Student Town Meeting members decided against a ban on marijuana across town, which is a real article that will be discussed at the next Town Meeting, and debated whether $1.5 million should be dished out for improvements to the town’s playgrounds.
History teacher and Town Meeting member Richard Lavoie sparked debate by saying run-down playgrounds are the result of youths not respecting public property, and, rather than give them another playground to destroy, suggested the money be spent on something else.
Student Michael Mabee disagreed.
“I think it will make the younger generation want to stay in Saugus,” he said. “Kids from other towns will want to come to Saugus.”
Ultimately, the article passed by a majority vote.
“This is an important day,” said Debra Panetta, chairwoman of the Board of Selectmen. “It’s important for people to see how their government works. Even if they take away just a little bit, they should learn that they don’t have to vote for something just because it’s on the agenda. They can amend it, they can ask questions.”
Junior Nick Melillo said the experience taught him how the Board of Selectmen functioned.
“I like politics because it’s all about different people’s ideas,” said Melillo. “I like seeing why people believe in these things and that maybe you can change their minds.”
