Candidates usually receive questions from the voters in their district.

On Oct. 22, representatives from the Terrace Manor Elementary School's student council were asking questions of the District 5 candidates for the Augusta Commission and the Richmond County Board of Education.

Ten-year-olds Aireanna Parrish, the president, and Malachi Walden, the vice president, led a question-and-answer session during the school's Parent Teacher Association meeting.

They asked Bill Lockett, a candidate for the commission seat, questions that included: Can the commission give the school board money, and if so, how? What contributions can he make in the community? And what would he do about abandoned buildings in the community?

Bobby Hankerson, also a commission candidate, was present but had to leave before the start of the forum because of another engagement.

All three school board candidates -- Aishia Leverett, Patsy Scott and James Williams Jr. -- were present.

They were asked why they want to be on the school board, how would they solve a problem with someone on the board they disagree with and what advice would they give students who want to be future leaders.

The activity was beneficial for the pupils, said Stephanie Bryant, one of the student council's advisers and a fourth-grade teacher.

"The students are very concerned about what goes on in the community and are always asking questions," she said. "This gave them the opportunity to ask any questions they have and to learn about the candidates."

Aireanna, who wants to be a lawyer, came up with five of the questions.

"Instead of asking questions someone else wanted me to ask, I asked questions that I wanted answers to," she said. "I have a lot of questions about the community."

Though the children can't vote, they wanted to be involved.

"I think it's very important to meet leaders of the community and find out who they are and their goals," Malachi said. "One day, we may be inspired to become the new leaders."

Reach Nikasha Dicks at (706) 823-3336 or nikasha.dicks@augustachronicle.com.