Milly Abdo, 2023 Junior Mayor, photo courtesy city of Gaithersburg
Gaithersburg invites fourth graders to enter the city’s Junior Mayor Contest by submitting essays by March 28. The contest allows students to explore local government and propose ideas for improving their community.
This year’s theme, “Building Community for a New Generation,” asks students to reflect on their community’s strengths and areas for improvement. Essays must be 275 words or fewer and address questions such as how to make the city more inclusive and what programs could better support families.
To qualify, students must live in Gaithersburg. A panel of city staff and Educational Enrichment Committee members will review submissions. The top five finalists will participate in panel interviews before the city selects one winner. The Junior Mayor will represent Gaithersburg at events including the Gaithersburg Book Festival, SummerFest, and the city’s Memorial and Veterans Day observances. The winner’s essay will be published on the city’s website, and the Junior Mayor will be introduced at a Mayor and City Council meeting.
Judges will evaluate essays based on relevance to the theme, understanding of municipal government, creativity, and writing quality. Finalists must also propose a community service project that involves their classmates, the mayor, city council members, and city staff.
The submission deadline is March 28. Full contest details are available on the City of Gaithersburg’s website.
Photo courtesy City of Gaithersburg.
