Winners of ‘If I Were Mayor’ state essay contest announced

The Virginia Municipal League announced the statewide winner and seven regional winners of the “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest.

The contest, hosted by VML, drew hundreds of entries from seventh graders throughout the state. The challenge to the students was to describe what they would do if they were mayor of their hometown.

The winners are:

• Statewide winner: Maci Mitchell of Hamilton Holmes Middle School in King William (also Region 8 winner)
• Region 1: Virginia Elizabeth Stockner of E.B. Stanley Middle School in Abingdon
• Region 2: Maria Angle of Clifton Middle School in Covington
• Region 3: Kaitlyn Hull of Kate Collins Middle School in Waynesboro
• Region 4: Sadie Henshaw of Kenston Forest Middle School in Blackstone
• Region 5: Lily Konopka of Ronald Regan Middle School in Haymarket
• Region 6: Haylee Burnett of Auburn Middle School in Warrenton
• Region 7: Samera Blowe of James S. Russell Middle School in Lawrenceville

All the regional winners demonstrated a remarkable level of maturity in their essays. The judges were very impressed with their concern for their communities and how thoughtfully they presented solutions to the issues most affecting their fellow residents.

Of the statewide winning entry from Maci Mitchell, VML President Anita James Price said: “Not only well written, but her bullet points were well thought out as well! The items she identifies are certainly ones that her community clearly needs and have captured her attention. Education and infrastructure were topics that many of the writers identified, but Marci also recognizes the lack of health care in her town and makes it a priority. Congratulations to this future Mayor!”

In addition to a plaque, each regional winner will receive a check for $150. The statewide winner will receive a plaque and $250.

Plans for presentation of the plaques and checks are forthcoming.

All winning essays can be read at https://www.vml.org/education/essay-contest/