PHOTO: Citizens Academy participants and City staff listen to a presentation during the final session of the 2024 Citizens Academy at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex.
The City of Victoria Communications & Public Affairs on Feb. 22 hosted the final session of the 2024 Citizens Academy at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex.
During the free, five-week program, leaders from various City departments and partner organizations taught participants about their local government. Participants also had the option of attending tours of the Victoria Office of Emergency Management, the Victoria Fire Department fire drill field and the Victoria Surface Water Treatment Plant.
“Our goal is to create an impactful environment where residents learn and engage in two-way dialogue with the decision-makers who strive to enhance the livability of our community,” Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel said. “I’m hopeful that our participants will stay engaged through our alumni program and use the many City tools we make available to them to stay informed and share information with others.”
At the end of the final session, residents participated in a graduation ceremony and received certificates acknowledging their participation in Citizens Academy.
Applications for the 2025 Citizens Academy will open in the fall. For more information about the program, visit www.victoriatx.gov/citizensacademy.
View photos from the 2024 Citizens Academy.
The path to distinguished citizenship
PHOTO: At the final Citizens Academy session, participants took part in a graduation ceremony and received certificates acknowledging their participation in the program. Shown from left are Mayor Duane Crocker, Citizens Academy graduate Donald Jirkovsky and Communications & Public Affairs Director Ashley Strevel.
Residents who complete all three City of Victoria educational programs: Citizens Academy, the Civilian Police Academy and the Civilian Responder Program—will earn the title of Distinguished Citizen and will be formally recognized during a City Council meeting in the fall.
The Victoria Fire Department is accepting applications for the 2024 Civilian Responder Program. For more information, visit www.victoriatx.gov/fire or contact the Victoria Fire Department Training Division at 361-485-3470 or dwoodward@victoriatx.gov.