Fourth Graders Encouraged to Enter Gaithersburg Junior Mayor Contest

From the City of Gaithersburg: Fourth graders in the City of Gaithersburg are encouraged to share what they would do if they were Mayor in a statewide essay contest sponsored by the Maryland Municipal League (MML) in partnership with the Maryland Mayors’ Association and the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company.

The theme for this year’s contest, to be explored in 275 words or less, is “INCLUSION.” Students are asked to explore the creation of a new community center for Gaithersburg and write about the people it will serve, the activities that will take place there, and what groups should be included in the decision making process.

The City of Gaithersburg takes this program one step further by selecting a winner specifically from its own community.

Those essays submitted by City of Gaithersburg residents will be reviewed by members of the City’s Educational Enrichment Committee. Finalists will be invited to participate in a videotaped panel interview. One winner will be selected as Gaithersburg Junior Mayor, with the opportunity to participate in programs and special events throughout the year. The winning Gaithersburg essay will also be published on the City’s website. The program is expanding this year to include the Junior Mayor hosting a service project involving his/her classmates, elected officials and City staff.

Entering this contest is a great way to learn about local government. This past year Gaithersburg had the pleasure of welcoming Srinidhi Guruvayurappan from Diamond Elementary School as its Junior Mayor. She has served as a wonderful representative of the young people in this community.

The deadline for entries is March 1, 2017. For submission instructions and information visit the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov or call 301-258-6395 x3.

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