Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry and a fourth grader have more in common and more than just the title of ‘Mayor.’
“We both like math… Although I admit that I didn’t get serious about my grades 'til college,” Curry said jokingly.
On Thursday, Curry proclaimed 10-year-old Micah Hall this year's “Kid Mayor.” The ceremony started with a casual exchange between the Central Riverside Elementary student and the city leader, before Micah talked with other city staff and observed some mayoral duties.
As he walked Hall around his office, Curry introduced the young mayor to some of the books and exhibits on his shelves.
Micah’s father, Chris Hall, smiled as he watched Mica confidently responded to Mayor Curry.
It reminded the proud father of the times Micah has advocated in front of the Duval County School Board, like when funding for art, music and physical education was being cut.
“He came home that night and said…he was upset about it. He wanted to go to the school board. He wrote his little speech, (of) about two minutes long…and spoke up,” Hall said.
Hall said his son also spoke up when the county decided to cancel a math competition last year. "He’s the one that people tend to notice. He really speaks up. If he sees something that he doesn’t like or some things are not right, and he is willing to speak up and raise his voice about it."
Micah joined Mayor Curry to present proclamations and recognize local citizens and organizations for service to the Jacksonville community.
Micah also has a passion for sports, especially basketball. “I want to be a basketball player…and if not that, maybe a math teacher,” he said. But when it came to football, Micah wasn’t overly impressed when Mayor Curry showed him the picture of Curry’s son and New England Patriots Quarterback Tom Brady.
The annual “Kid Mayor” program started last year and takes nominations from schools. Curry selected Micah from among 60 candidates.