Virginia Students Invited to Share Ideas in “If I Were Mayor” Essay Contest

Calling all future leaders! The Virginia Municipal League (VML) has announced its annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest, open to Virginia 7th and 8th grade students during the 2024-2025 school year. The contest encourages young people to imagine themselves as a mayor and share how they would address a problem facing their community.

Regional winners will be selected from different areas of the state, each receiving a $150 gift card and a plaque. One statewide winner from the regional champions will earn a $250 gift card and a plaque. Winning essays will be published in the May/June issue of Virginia Town & City, VML’s official magazine.

The deadline to submit entries is Monday, March 17, 2025.

Writing With Purpose

Being a mayor or community leader means making tough decisions that impact everyone in town. VML hopes the contest will give students insight into these challenges by encouraging them to explore real issues and propose practical solutions.

In their 300- to 500-word essays, students must:

1. Identify a community problem – This could be something big, like traffic congestion, or something smaller but meaningful, such as limited recreational facilities.
2. Interview someone about possible solutions – Students are encouraged to talk to teachers, parents, friends, or others to gather ideas.
3. Propose the best solution – They can either agree with the ideas they’ve heard or suggest a different plan, explaining why it might work better.

How to Enter

There are two ways to submit your essay:

• Online Submission: Copy and paste the essay into the designated box on the VML online form. Students must also provide their full name, school name and location, and teacher’s name and email address.
• By Mail: Print the essay, attach a completed entry form, and send it to:
  VML, Attn: 7th and 8th Grade Essay Contest
  P.O. Box 12164
  Richmond, VA 23241

Students should ensure their essays are typed. Handwritten essays are allowed, but they must be neat and easily read. Only one entry per student is permitted.

Eligibility

The contest is open to students from VML member municipalities. Most Virginia cities and towns, as well as nine counties, are members. Students who attend school or live in these areas are eligible to participate. To check eligibility, students can review the list of VML member municipalities on VML’s website.

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

Judging and Awards

Essays will be judged on content and style, focusing on creativity, clarity, and how well students explain their proposed solutions. Winners will be notified in early April, and VML will present awards at a local town council or school board meeting.

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

Why It Matters

Thinking like a mayor means looking beyond your own experience to consider what’s best for everyone. From fixing potholes to promoting environmental sustainability, this contest lets students explore real-world leadership while sparking creativity and civic engagement.

For more information, visit VML’s website and get ready to share your vision for a better, brighter community!