2020 SUMMER
Mayors in Syracuse & Oswego
Rock Academy learn more American culture by communicating with the mayors in Oswego city and Syracuse.
Visiting Oswego city：
In June 2020, Rock Academy was invited to visit the city hall of Oswego county. The Mayor of Oswego city Mr. Barlow, Jr met Rock Academy with his passion. As international students, the students of Rock Academy were very interested in the local culture, political system, and history of Oswego city. Mr. Mayor first introduced the council chamber which is set for regular city meetings, especially to discuss whether the proposals of projects can be passed by the council members. In addition, Mr.mayor also answered some questions about the council’s general functions and his daily work. Through the illustration of the mayor, students knew more about how the development of the nuclear power station prospered the city of Oswego from a small river town. In the portrait gallery of mayors, Mr. Barlow, Jr shared his experience of University life and being elected as the youngest mayor in the city of Oswego. His story was very helpful and inspiring to those students who encountered difficulties from cross-culture lives and academic confusion of college. At the end of visiting, Rock Academy left the beautiful city after showing their appreciation sincerely to Mr. Barlow, Jr.
The outside look of city hall in Oswego city
The council chamber for regular meeting
The portrait of the Oswego Mayor, Mr. Barlow, Jr
Lunch with the Mayor of Syracuse:
As a student organization in Syracuse, Rock Academy constantly pays attention to the city’s development and citizen’s lives under the COVID-19 period. In a special lunch with Mr. Ben Walsh who is the mayor of Syracuse, Rock Academy had an opportunity to interview him about two main topics including the countermeasures to the government’s deficit due to the COVID-19 and future city planning. Mr.Mayor was patient and friendly to answer that Syracuse would mainly rely on reopening the company and store such as Destiny USA to recover the city economy; Meanwhile, he also indicated that it is a tough trade-off between safety and economy, so the government would still premise the public safety before the business. When talking about future city planning, Mr. Ben Wash was confident in Syracuse’s urban construction. Within the budget from the state government, the Syracuse government not only will build more infrastructures but also make Syracuse become a smart city. Although the lunchtime was limited, the students of Rock Academy gained a lot from the conversation with Mr. Mayor.
Students very enjoy the speech from the mayor and they record it as a important reference.
Mr. mayor are patient to listen each questions of students who carry about the Syracuse’s development.
In order to memorise this wonderful lunch, Rock Academy invites Mr.mayor to take photo with them and give the best appreciation for his coming. Besides, Mr. mayor also look forward to meeting with them again.