Rockville fourth graders once again have a chance to meet Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and imagine what they would do if they were mayor by taking part in the Maryland Municipal League’s statewide “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.
This year’s theme is “Preserving the Past to Power the Future.” Students are asked to write an essay of no more than 275 words after thinking about their hometown and its traditions, beliefs or events. Which ones would they uplift and honor? Which would they try to change? And how would they get people to participate in things they’re trying to change?
One winning essay will be selected from each of MML’s 11 districts. Winners will receive a cash prize and a citation from the governor and will be honored, along with their parents and teacher, during an awards ceremony in May.
The entry deadline is Friday, March 31. For more information, including contest rules and forms for submitting entries online, visit mdmunicipal.org/168/Mayors-Essay-Contest.
In addition to winners chosen by MML, the mayor will select a student attending school in Rockville to serve as the city’s Mayor for a Day in May.
Mayor Newton welcomes the opportunity to speak with students virtually, about the essay contest, municipal government and what it is like to be Rockville’s mayor. Teachers or school administrators may email [email protected] to arrange a virtual visit by the mayor, though a mayoral visit is not required for students to participate in the contest.