Junior treasurers complete county program

BERNALLILO — Sandoval County's junior treasurers have completed the 2025 program.

Cleveland High School attendee Faith Young and Ask Academy attendee Michael Putkaradze received plaques and medals from Treasurer Jennifer Taylor Dec. 10 for completing the program.

"Over the past 20 weeks, Faith and Michael have engaged in comprehensive on-site training, gaining invaluable insights into the critical functions of the county treasurer's office and responsibilities of an elected official," Taylor said at the Wednesday commission meeting.

She added that the program offered an unprecedented level of hands-on experience. The junior treasurers got to visit a bank where they observed how financial institutions play a role in the public sector, and also learned about regulatory lapse aid compared to private banking, according to Taylor.

She said the junior treasurers also learned about state statutes and the impact of local government in the community.

"Their intensive program also included attendance at a board of finance meeting, virtual participation at our Sandoval County investment committee meeting as well as the county commission meeting," Taylor said.

At the end of the program, the junior treasurers officiated a mock board of finance meeting.

"I am incredibly proud of their dedication and accomplishments," Taylor said.

Putkaradze said the program was fun and that he "learned an insane amount."

"I came into this program knowing basically nothing about governmental activities or what is actually done within, especially, the treasury sector," he said. "However, over the past five months I've learned an intensive amount."

Young was grateful such a program exists.

"This was a great opportunity where one can learn about something that most people don't understand," she said.

Commission Chair Mike Meek commended the two youths for being well spoken and informed.

"They're great leadership potential for the future," he said.