Virginia students invited to share ideas in the “If I were a Mayor” competition – Royal Examiner

Calling all future leaders! The Virginia Municipal League (VML) announced its annual essay competition “If I was a mayor”, open to grades 7 and 8 through Virginia in 2024-2025. The competition encourages young people to imagine themselves as mayor and to share how They would deal with a problem facing their community.

Regional winners will be selected from different areas of the state, each of which will receive a $ 150 gift card and a plaque. A winner across the country from regional champions will win a $ 250 gift card and a plaque. The earned essays will be published in the issue of May/June of Virginia City and CityThe official VML magazine.

The deadline for submitting records is Monday, March 17, 2025.

Writing

Being mayor or community leader means making difficult decisions that influence everyone in the city. VML hopes that the competition will give students an idea of ​​these challenges, encouraging them to explore real problems and offer practical solutions.

In their essays from 300 to 500 words, students need:

1. Define a community problem – This can be something big, such as traffic congestion or something smaller, but meaningful, as limited recreation facilities.
2. Interview someone for possible solutions – Students are encouraged to talk to teachers, parents, friends or others to collect ideas.
3. Offer the best solution – They can either agree with the ideas they have heard or offer a different plan, explaining why it can work better.

How to get in

There are two ways to send your essay:

• Submission: Copy and place the essay in the designated field in the online VML form. Students should also provide their full name, name and location of the school and a teacher name and email address.
• By mail: Print the essay, attach a completed entry form and send it to:
  VML, Attn: Class 7 and 8 Essay Contest
  PO BOX 12164
  Richmond, VA 23241

Students must ensure that their essays are introduced. Handwritten essays are allowed, but they should be neat and easy to read. Only one student entry is allowed.

Eligibility

The competition is open to students from the municipalities of a member of VML. Most cities and cities of Virginia, as well as nine counties, are members. Students who attend school or live in these fields have the right to participate. To check the eligibility, students can review the list of VML municipalities on the VML website.

Students who were regional or state winners in 2024 are not allowed to win this year but can still participate for fun.

Refereeing and awards

The essays will be judged by content and style, focusing on creativity, clarity and how well students explain their proposed decisions. The winners will be notified in early April, and VML will award awards to a local city council or a school council meeting.

By participating, students not only have a chance to win awards, but also to see their ideas in print and contribute to important local conversations.

Why does it matter

Thinking as mayor means looking beyond your own experience to think about what is best for everyone. From correcting holes to promoting environmental stability, this competition allows students to explore leadership in the real world while provoking creativity and civic commitment.

For more information, visit the VML website and get ready to share your vision for a better, more bright community!