Maryland Fourth Graders Invited to Submit Essays for Maryland Municipal League’s 2015 “If I Were Mayor” Contest
Entries Must Be Received by March 31, 2015; 11 Regional Winners to Be Honored in Annapolis;
Student’s Essay Submissions Should Address Contest’s 2015 Theme of ‘Respect’
Fourth graders throughout Maryland are invited to take part in the Maryland Municipal League’s (MML) annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest. The contest challenges fourth graders to share their thoughts on how they would engage with citizens to make their local municipality a better place to live and work if they were mayor. Students must submit their essays to MML no later than March 31, 2015.
Since 2001, MML’s “If I Were Mayor” essay contest has given fourth graders the opportunity to learn about municipal government through sharing their thoughts on how they would be as mayor. Each 275-word essay must open with the line: “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” and answer three questions that address the 2015 theme, “Respect.” Maryland students enrolled in the fourth grade during the 2014-2015 school year may participate in the contest. Entries must be submitted by the student’s teacher. The 11 regional winners will be presented with a $100 cash prize at the Maryland State House in front of their family members, their teacher, their municipality’s mayor and other local dignitaries during May 2015.
“Each year, the “If I Were Mayor” contest encourages students to learn more about the important role that cities and towns play in the daily lives of our citizens” said Scott A. Hancock, executive director of the Maryland Municipal League “These students represent the next generation of leaders and we’re especially excited to see how they respond to this year’s theme of ‘Respect.’” Hancock also noted MML’s appreciation this year for the support of Dr. Lillian M. Lowery, State Superintendent of Schools, for ensuring that the contest is announced to 4th grade teachers throughout Maryland.
The contest is sponsored by Maryland Municipal League, in partnership with the Maryland Mayors Association and the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company. Essays are judged based on: essay relation to contest topic; displayed knowledge about municipal government and the role of a mayor; creativity; and proper use of grammar. To apply, visit www.mdmunicipal.org/essay.