NBTHS students learn about municipal government, career paths at Student Civic Engagement Day

April 15, 2026

A group of North Brunswick Township High School juniors and seniors gained valuable insight from Township directors and staff on municipal government operations during the inaugural Student Civic Engagement Day 2026 at the Municipal Building on Tuesday, April 14.

Students learned about public service careers and gained an understanding in how local government impacts daily lives.

“I think today is amazing,” Council President Alvin Rich said. “I am so happy for all of our department heads, representatives and staff for making this day a reality. This is just the beginning and I look forward to many more to come.”

Council President Rich, who is a mentor at the high school, said NBTHS senior Alicia Marte Hernandez ‘played a major role’ in making the event happen. He said both of them were speaking about something that could be done for the students that would be inspiring. They thought about the many job opportunities that exist in local government, which provided the starting point for the initiative.

Marte Hernandez said a group of students were selected who were interested in the different areas of government. She said Civic Engagement Day is about the students building connections and inspire them to pursue careers in government.

She said, “It was a very rewarding opportunity.”

Township directors and staff from Administration, Police, Community Development, Parks & Recreation, Public Works, Finance, Clerk’s Office, Emergency Management and Fire Department spoke to students about the functions of their departments and personal reflections on their career path.

Community Development Director Michael Hritz said he and other directors and staff were born and raised in North Brunswick, went to school in the Township and “found great opportunities with the Township that are supporting us, providing for families and giving us good jobs.”

The event’s guest speaker was Jeffrey Hermann, president and CEO of Hermann Services, Inc. He is the great grandson of former North Brunswick mayor Fred Hermann, who served in the position for 19 years. Fred Hermann and his wife, Myrtle. founded the company in 1927.

Hermann spoke about Hermann Services, his career path and gave advice to students who would like to get into business.

“Don’t give up. Have a plan,” he said. “Find a mentor, someone that you can rely on, someone you can trust. Someone that you feel confident is going to give you good guidance. Be willing to change and to pivot. Recognize that you also may not have the right answer. Be honest. Be ethical.”