City of Olympia launches ‘Mayor for the Day” elementary school essay contest

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The City of Olympia has announced the return of its Mayor for the Day program, inviting 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students who live within the City of Olympia to share their ideas for improving the community.

“Our hope is to engage and educate our local youth on the workings of city government in a fun and meaningful way,” said Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne.

To participate, students must submit an essay of 250 words or fewer responding to the following prompt: “If you were selected to be Mayor for the Day, what would you do to make Olympia a better community for everyone, and how would you do it? Be specific. Also share why you should be chosen as Mayor for the Day.”

Teachers may also nominate a student by submitting a brief statement of 150 words or fewer describing why the student would be an excellent candidate.



The selected student will be ceremonially “sworn in” and shadow the mayor for a day; receive a certificate of recognition signed by the mayor; be recognized at a city council meeting, where their essay or nomination will be read; and be featured in a news release and photo with the city council. 

Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, originality, positive community impact and relevance to the prompt

The contest opens April 13 and closes on May 8. 

 For full contest rules and access to entry forms, visit the City of Olympia website at: https://www.olympiawa.gov/government/city_council___mayor/mayor_for_the_day.php