The city of Oxford’s Student Government Day brought 49 Oxford High School seniors to City Hall to get a first-hand feel for the operations of local government on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Each city department office – from the mayor to police sergeants – was shadowed by students who were elected by their peers to form an Oxford “shadow government” for the day.

The special day has roots back to the World War II era, but it is believed the current form of the tradition was adopted in 1955.

The students were greeted at the start of the day with a breakfast snack, their city ID badges, and a greeting by Mayor Alton Craft.

“You are a unique group of people,” Craft said. “This is all designed to educate you on how the city functions. We appreciate the teachers who brought you here, and we thank you for participating. You are our future leaders. Learn all you can and take my place one day.”

Students were then treated to a tour of the East Metro Area Crime Center and began shadowing their government counterparts.

Student Mayor Malakai Vanover got a real taste of his job as he joined Mayor Craft for a live interview with FOX 6’s Aajene Robinson for the station’s “Good Day Alabama Extra” broadcast.

The student city council, which was tutored by city council president Chris Spurlin, held a meeting where they passed resolutions concerning the development of a theater festival, a performing arts center for students, and increased businesses at Quintard Mall.

The students adjourned to the front steps of Oxford High School where they awaited the shadow police department’s traditional and “all in good fun” arrest of two teachers.

This year’s honorees were math teachers Reid Eastis and Jennifer Singleton. Eastis was charged with the identity theft of Lewis Robinson, an animated character in the Disney movie, “Meet the Robinsons.” Singleton was charged with “cruel and unusual academic punishment” with too much homework.

Traditionally, the arrests come as a surprise to the two after six “warrants” are first issued. Eastis was able to attempt a getaway, making a run for the fields behind the football stadium before he was apprehended by members of the student police force.

Eastis and Singleton were taken with police escort to the Municipal Court at Oxford Police headquarters, where they faced the student-filled positions of judge, prosecutor, witnesses, defense, and jury.

Singleton was acquitted, but Eastis was found guilty and sentenced to “100 years in a galactic place” before the two happily posed for pictures in their jumpsuits.

The students were then treated to a barbeque and chicken lunch at The Studio at Oxford Performing Arts Center.

OHS Social Studies instructor Chare Allredge served as the faculty advisor for the Student Government Day.