Hinsdale elementary schoolers are getting sworn in at Village Hall, touring the fire station, and issuing their own official proclamations as part of a new program that doubles as a fundraiser for school PTAs.

Village President Greg Hart launched the "Mayor for a Day" program this summer, pairing students from District 181 schools with a full day inside village government. Students from Elm School and Saint Isaac Jogues have already participated. Kids from Oak, The Lane, Monroe and Madison schools are scheduled to take part later in July.

Sami Akhras, an Elm School student, was the program's first participant on Tuesday, June 30. Village Clerk Emily Tompkins swore him in at Village Hall. His father, Rami Akhras, said the experience gave his son "a unique opportunity to see how our village operates and to learn about the people who work every day to serve the community."

Each student spends the day with Hart, meets village staff, and visits the police, fire and public works departments. At the end, they issue an official proclamation on a local government topic of their choosing.

"I benefited tremendously from learning about government at a young age, and that early exposure helped shape my own path into public service," Hart told the Pioneer Press. He said the program goes beyond a ceremonial title, giving students working exposure to how village departments serve residents every day.

Hart said the program grew from priorities he set when he took office in May 2025: connecting the village with Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills Elementary District 181 and Hinsdale High School District 86, and introducing kids to public service. Schools can offer the experience as a live auction item during PTA fundraising events.

Hart, 37, took office in May 2025 after serving on the DuPage County Board from 2017 to 2023. He grew up in Burr Ridge and attended Saint Isaac Jogues as a child, spending much of his youth in downtown Hinsdale.

The program is geared primarily toward elementary students. Hart said experiences will be scheduled throughout the year based on school calendars and village schedules. The next group of students from Oak, The Lane, Monroe and Madison schools will visit Village Hall later this month.

Hinsdale government week ahead

Tuesday, July 21 | 7:00 p.m. | Memorial Hall, 19 E. Chicago Ave. | Village Board of Trustees regular meeting. No agenda had been posted as of Monday, July 14; it is expected by Friday, July 17. Public comment is a standing agenda item.

No District 181 or District 86 school board meetings have been confirmed for the week of July 14–21. Both boards are on summer recess.