The Brooklyn Advisory Group is making a huge impact in education with a unique civics program that takes junior high schoolers behind the scenes of real New York City politics.
Students at Meyer Levin Junior High School IS 285 in East Flatbush filled the auditorium recently as a group of student steelpan musicians set a fun tone for an inauguration ceremony that began the tenures of a group of student public servants. The new elected officials sat toward the front in their uniforms, ready to be sworn in.
“The goal was to move civics from a textbook concept into a lived experience,” said Khari Edwards of the Brooklyn Advisory Group. “By modeling real municipal government, students were able to see themselves as leaders, decision-makers, and active participants in democracy.”
Edwards, a two-time Brooklyn Borough president candidate, and his partner Lance Skinner are well-versed in the inner workings of local politics. His group collaborated closely with Meyer Levin Principal Jamie Hendrickson and Superintendent for School District 18 Celeste Douglas-Terry to make the experience fun and authentic for Meyer Levin’s students.
This innovative 12-week civics program reimagines the traditional student government model to mirror the city’s local government structure and positions. About 140 students participated in rigorous campaigning, canvassing, petitioning, early voting, and candidate debates and forums. They learned the fundamentals of governance, accountability, and civic responsibility. They also hung elaborate posters and recruited “staff” members to hand out campaign materials.
NYC Comptroller Mark Levine (left) and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams (center left) attend Student Government Inauguration Ceremony on January 9, 2026. Credit: Photos contributed by Khari Edwards 
Meyer Levin Junior High School Principal Jamie Hendrickson (at podium). Credit: Photos contributed by Khari Edwards 
Meyer Levin Junior High School prepares for its Student Government Inauguration Ceremony in Brooklyn on January 9, 2026. Credit: Ariama C. Long photo 
Meyer Levin Junior High School prepares for its Student Government Inauguration Ceremony in Brooklyn on January 9, 2026. Credit: Ariama C. Long photo 
Student steelpan musicians open Inauguration Ceremony at Meyer Levin Junior High School. Credit: Ariama C. Long photo 
Eight Meyer Levin Junior High School elected students enjoy Student Government Inauguration Ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026 Credit: Ariama C. Long photo 
Meyer Levin Junior High School (JHS 285) prepares for its Student Government Inauguration Ceremony. Credit: Ariama C. Long photo
The students collectively came up with school ballot measures, like allowing winners to wear shorts and awarding extra privileges to those with high test scores. Ultimately, several students were elected to the positions of mayor, public advocate, comptroller, and deputy borough presidents (by grades).
To bring home the real world homage to politics, the school hosted a public Student Government Inauguration Ceremony on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026. The ceremony featured remarks and participation from actual elected officials and civic leaders, like New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Comptroller Mark Levine; Councilmembers Farah Louis and Rita Joseph, chair of the City Council Committee on Education; Assemblymember Monique Chandler-Waterman, Senator Roxanne Persaud, and City Hall’s Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Jahmila Edwards.
The officials got to spend time with their student counterparts, formally swear them into their leadership roles, and present them with city proclamations.
The student winners include Victoria Mompoint (mayor), Taliah Scott (public advocate), Britney Simeon (comptroller), Aubrey Anderson Richards (6th grade borough president), Chloe Cousins (7th grade borough president), Maleah Malone (8th grade borough president), Elijah Cunningham (deputy borough president), and Chelsea Toussaint (deputy borough president).