Lessons come to life as Martin Primary’s second graders meet local government
THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM WEAKLEY COUNTY SCHOOLS:
Martin Primary’s second graders didn’t just learn about local government— they got to meet it.
As part of their unit on government, the entire grade welcomed three community leaders into their classrooms: Weakley County Mayor Dale Hutcherson, Weakley County Circuit Court Judge Jeff Parham, and Union City firefighter Lieutenant Josh Pope. What unfolded was a morning full of wide-eyed conversations and real-life connections.
“We want our students to understand that what they’re learning isn’t just something in a book—it’s their world,” explained second grade teacher Beth Hatler. “When they meet the real people behind these roles, everything clicks. Suddenly, government becomes something they can see, hear, and ask questions about. That’s huge for their understanding.”
Mayor Hutcherson opened his session by sharing one of his biggest responsibilities: being a representative for the people of Weakley County.
“My job is to tell people all over the country just how great Weakley County is,” he told students, explaining how important it is to elect leaders who share the community’s values. He emphasized that local government exists to serve the people—and that voting is how individuals ensure their voices are represented.
Mayor Hutcherson handled questions ranging from “What’s the hardest part of your job?” to “How tall is the courthouse?” responding to each with the same thoughtful attention.
Judge Parham explained to students that the courtroom is more than what they see on TV. He talked about hearing both sides of a story, working with juries to reach fair decisions, and why impartiality matters.
He introduced Lady Justice, blindfold and all. “That blindfold means justice must be fair,” he explained. “We don’t pick sides. We listen carefully, look at the facts, and do what’s right.”
For a room full of seven- and eight-year-olds, the imagery of a blindfolded woman holding scales was captivating.
Lieutenant Josh Pope brought the kind of excitement only a firefighter can bring.
Lt. Pope covered fire safety essentials: why smoke detectors belong in every room, how to feel a doorknob for heat, and why staying low can save your life. He showed students the gear firefighters wear and explained how oxygen tanks work.
But he also cleared up some misconceptions.
“Only about ten percent of our job is fighting fires,” he told them. “Most of the time, we’re responding to emergencies: car accidents, medical needs, all kinds of things.”
He also encouraged students to use 911 responsibly, sharing a few hilarious stories of callers who simply wanted help finding the TV remote or making a sandwich.
The highlight came when two Martin firefighters—Preston Adams and Shaw Logan—pulled up in a fire truck. Students explored gauges, hoses, and water tanks, and learned why traffic must move out of the way when a truck is responding to a call.
Principal Tracey Bell said days like this reflect what makes Martin Primary special.
“Our community is always willing to step into our schools and help our students learn,” she said. “Anytime we ask, they show up with open hearts and open hands. It means the world to our kids.”
Weakley County Schools’ Assistant Director Betsi Foster added that experiences like these shape much more than a social studies lesson.
“Building bridges between the classroom and the community helps students understand the world around them,” Foster said. “When students learn directly from the people who serve their community, it deepens understanding on both sides. These connections matter.”
And for Martin Primary’s second graders, those connections are now unforgettable.
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