Eleven graduates of the new Sedona Citizens Academy found themselves in the spotlight during the May 10 Sedona City Council meeting.

City Council honored the graduates of the city’s first Citizens Academy with certificates for their efforts in learning the mechanics of city operations, and the ins and outs of local politics.

Members of the academy met every Thursday for the past seven weeks, said Ginger Wolstencroft, city of Sedona communications director. Wolstencroft helped organize the program.

“As part of the City Council’s communications priority, we established the Citizens Academy to educate the community on city operations and issues. We also hope the academy graduates will apply for vacancies on commissions, boards and committees,” Wolstencroft said.

Graduates of the academy ranged from retirees to a reverend, she added. Member ages ranged from those in their 20s to 70-year-olds, and included new and longtime residents.

“We even had a husband and wife, and a brother and sister, that joined us,” Wolstencroft said.

Academy graduates included Jan Barnes, Suzanne Copeland, Janet and Scott Jablow, Ted Jones, Marie Kauffman, Natalia Molina McKendry, Bettye Monzo, Holly Puleo, and Barbara and Stephen Thomiszer. Sedona Police Department Sgt. James Pott served as a liaison for the academy, Wolstencroft added.

Mayor Rob Adams expressed his appreciation to the graduates during the meeting.

“The Citizens Academy is one of those ongoing efforts to create a more transparent government, along with encouraging the citizens to be part of their own government,” Adams said.

Graduate Scott Jablow was appointed to an open seat on the Planning and Zoning Commission during the meeting.

“This was a great eye opener for us. We all interacted well with each other and all the department heads,” Jablow said.

McKendry thanked council members and city staff for offering the program.

“It’s about how City Council and city administration works. I really appreciate it,” McKendry said.

Puleo said she is a new resident and she was glad she chose to attend the academy.

“I just came here from Florida in February,” Puleo said. “The main reason why I was interested is because I wanted to be part of the community, and this has been a delightful journey.”