Download and print contest rules
Each fall the Virginia Municipal League (VML) invites all Virginia 7th Graders to participate in its “If I Were Mayor” essay contest. The essays describe what the student would do as mayor to make their cities and towns great places to live.
Promoting good local government is important to VML, and this essay contest provides students the opportunity to reflect on the important role of elected officials in their own city or town.
Eight Virginia regional winners are selected. Winners receive a $150 cash prize and plaque. One statewide winner is selected and receives a $250 cash prize and plaque. The winners, along with their teachers, are recognized at a special ceremony in Richmond.
Contest Rules
-
The contest is open to all Virginia students enrolled in the 7th Grade during the 2017-2018 school year.
-
Each entry must include the student’s name, school, teacher’s name and teacher’s email address.
-
Essays must be typed.
-
Essays must be 200 – 500 words.
-
Essays must address the subject of what the student would do if they were elected mayor.
-
Only one essay may be submitted per student.
-
Essays will be judged based on the following: originality, persuasiveness, understanding of city, town and county services, and proper use of composition and written expression.
-
Essays must be received at the VML office by Monday, December 4. Winners will be notified in early January 2018.
-
Essays will not be returned.
-
VML retains the right to publish essays along with the names of each student.
-
Submit entries to: VML, Attn: 7th Grade Essay Contest, P.O. Box 12164, Richmond, VA 23241.
For more information contact Sherall Dementi at sdementi@vml.org.
2016 “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest winners
Gov. Terry McAuiffe (center) with the winners of the essay contest:
(L to R) Jerry (Trey) N. Mitchell III, Terrence Massenburg, Skyla Rain, Sadie Dryden, Liv Scappa, Andrew Middleton and Dillon McReynolds. Not pictured: Maha Laiq.
Statewide winner: Jerry (Trey) N. Mitchell III of Lawrenceville
Region 1: Dillon McReynolds of Abingdon
Region 2: Andrew Middleton of Covington
Region 3: Sadie Dryden of Buena Vista
Region 4: Skyla Rain of South Boston
Region 5: Liv Scappa of Falls Church
Region 6: Maha Laiq of Warrenton
Region 7: Jerry (Trey) N. Mitchell III of Lawrenceville (statewide winner)
Region 8: Terrence Massenburg of Portsmouth
2015 winners
Region 1: Sumer Grace Lloyd of Bristol
Region 2: Simran Kaur Gill of Salem
Region 4: Grace Coover of Petersburg
Region 5: Evan Lankford of Falls Church
Region 6: Brynley Meadows of Culpeper
Region 7: Alexander Elstun of Chesterfield County
Region 8: Alyssa Levy of King William County
