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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

PELHAM – In a welcome addition to the agenda, the city of Pelham celebrated the final day of Lucas Kalba’s service as an intern and congratulated his service on Monday, Aug. 5.

“It has been a pleasure from our perspective to have you at the meetings and seeing the energy that you bring,” City Council President Maurice Mercer said. “Please don’t be a stranger and make sure to visit us throughout the school year.”

Kalba, who has now started his junior year of high school, has been a familiar face in the city of Pelham for the majority of his life, having grown up within the Pelham City Schools system and having taken an active role in various academic extracurricular activities.

Last March, Kalba was recognized by Pelham City Schools for his winning of both the area and district level oratorical contest held by the American Legion.

Over this summer break, Kalba interned with the city of Pelham and according to many in the city, proved to be a positive voice and energetic spirit during that time.

“Socrates once said that a true sign of old age is when the old generations blame the young generation on everything that is wrong with our culture,” Pelham Mayor Gary Waters said. “I’m not saying I have totally felt that way, but I have had some feelings (in that direction). But for the last few weeks we’ve had a young man—by the name of Lucas Kalba—that has been working as an intern in the city manager’s office. He has changed my attitude about that.”

During his internship, Kalba was especially visible during both city council meetings and work sessions and was regularly responsible for handing out materials and releases to both city employees and attending citizens. During intermissions he would regularly engage both city employees and others attending in active conversation.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with this young man,” Waters said. “I remember the first time I met him—it was at a pre-council work session—and he mentioned that he might have some lofty plans to enter politics one day. I teased him about it (at the time). But I can tell you now, I would feel very comfortable having him represent my interests at any level. Lucas, it has been a pleasure working with you and my office door is always open.”

In concluding his personal remarks on Kalba’s last day with the city, Waters also made the declaration that he would happily be at Kalba’s service should he ever need help in the future.

“I want to say thank you for this summer opportunity,” Kalba said. “I have enjoyed it so much and I was really exposed to local government, the city of Pelham and all that goes into the day-to-day operations. I had the opportunity to attend meetings, shadow different departments and meet new people working for the city. My favorite moment was probably going to the courthouse, because I want to be a lawyer. I was also able to tour the parks and rec department and see all of the city parks. I even tried on a fire uniform after seeing the heroic actions of all of the firefighters in our city.”

While now back in classes at Pelham High School, Kalba also announced his intention to remain involved in the city and expressed a desire to continue attending council meetings when available throughout the school year.

“I just want to say thank you once again for this opportunity,” Kalba said. “I am grateful to live in the city of Pelham.”

Following Kalba’s words to the Council, City Manager Gretchen DiFante again congratulated him and asked for all those in attendance to give him a round of applause.

“We are going to miss this young man,” DiFante said. “And I have a feeling that we will be seeing a lot of him (moving forward).”