Will Jones started learning the lingo early at the Mayor’s Youth Council’s mock meeting Wednesday.

&uot;We’re working on that,&uot;&160;he told a fellow youth council member acting as a department head.

Jones, president of the youth council, called the meeting to order as its mayor.

The group, composed of high school students from around the city, had the chance to shadow city leaders Wednesday. Throughout the year they have met with various department heads and toured city facilities to learn more about government.

Jones, a Trinity Episcopal School senior, said the youth council experience has been valuable.

&uot;It’s very important to youth, the awareness that city government is just as important as state and national government,&uot; he said, adding that the youth council also participates in community service activities.

Catherine Taunton, who played the role of city attorney for the morning, was able to announce that Gov. Ronnie Musgrove signed legislation for $8.5 million in bonds to help complete the Natchez Trace Parkway to Liberty Road.

A freshman at Cathedral School, Taunton said the experience has been positive. &uot;It was great,&uot;&160;she said. &uot;We’ve had different speakers who all worked for the city talking about everything from drugs to recreation.&uot;

During their morning shadowing city officials, students toured facilities and project sites, met with office employees and learned about city officials’ duties.

On the day after the primary, Casey Etheridge, who shadowed City Clerk Frances Trosclair, watched election officials certifying votes. And Kelly Fuller, who shadowed Police Chief Willie Huff, helped him give a tour to a Time magazine journalist in town on a trip down the Mississippi River.

Caroline Lambert, a Cathedral sophomore, said the youth council has been valuable for her. &uot;Mayor’s Youth Council has helped with my leadership skills,&uot; Lambert said. &uot;It’s gotten me more involved in the community.&uot;