Isaiah White Walks a Day in Mayor's Shoes

At 16-years old, Isaiah White is already a veteran community service volunteer. The Harford Technical High School senior has been a member of the for 10 years, helping the staff with activities or playing games with children.

The club even chose him as "Youth of the Year" for 2010-2011. 

But now White has another title to add—he was recently selected by the Boys and Girls Club to serve as "Mayor of the Day" for the city of Aberdeen. 

His day in power began at 10 a.m., when White spoke with Mayor Michael Bennett to discuss the daily municipal workings of City Hall, as well as his future aspirations and thoughts about the city. 

Bennett took White to the Department of Public Works and recognized him at a Rotary Club meeting. 

"He really kind of jumped right in," Bennett said. "He might have a calling." 

White also started the City Council meeting Monday evening, introducing the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance and calling for the official approval of the minutes. 

"I'm scared I'm going to mess up a name or say something wrong, but I'm excited," White said before the meeting.

"Mayor of the Day" is a title that runs in White's family. His father held a similar position in Pittsburgh when he was younger and advised his son to ask as many questions as possible. 

When Randy Acosta, executive director at the Boys and Girls Club, selected him for the job, White said he was surprised and immediately thought about his father. 

"I just starting laughing because it was my turn," he said. "When I told [my dad] he started laughing too."

White is quiet and reserved but was clearly interested in his day's task. He shook hands with the council members and took his place at the mayor's seat before the meeting, reading over his notes. 

"He's got that gentle giant feel about him," Bennett observed. 

After Bennett recognized him for his service, White stayed for the entire council meeting. 

While White wants to study electrical engineering in college, he said he could see himself working with a small town government one day. 

"Because of my dad, he wanted to be the President when he was younger, and he always told me that," White said. "He would watch CNN and all that, I used to sit down and watch it with him. So when I was younger and growing up, I did want to be a politician."

Yet wherever White ends up, Bennett said he advised him to stay true to his roots in Aberdeen and get involved with his community in the future. 

Though he only had one day at the job, White did learn a valuable lesson.

"It's a great opportunity," he said. "You should take it. You'll see how much a politician has to do to make sure things run smoothly for everyday people, like us."