According to City Administrator Denise Whitehead, the contest was the brainchild of Assistant Deputy City Clerk Jessica Rickards. Rickards, who spent 10 years teaching Okeechobee children, said before she began working for the city, she did not know much about the way the city works. She did not know what the mayor’s job was or how the city and county responsibilities differed. She said she has enjoyed learning these things and wants the children of Okeechobee to get involved and learn more about the city where they live. She added that children often come up with unique ideas that can help solve problems you might not realize you have. She said she looks forward to reading them all.
The contest is simple. Write an essay with he topic, “If I were mayor.”
The flyer for the contest states, “Imagine you were elected mayor of the city of Okeechobee! What would you do to make our city an even better place to live, work, and have fun? Write your own original essay (up to 300 words) explaining what you would do if you were mayor of the city of Okeechobee.”
All school-age children are eligible, and entries can be emailed to assistantdc@cityofokeechobee.com. A hard copy can be submitted at the city clerk’s office in City Hall, located at 55 SE Third Avenue, Room 200.
The deadline to submit is Oct. 14 at 4:30 p.m.
The top three elementary, middle, and high school grade essays will be featured on the city’s Facebook page and will be recognized at the Oct. 20 city council meeting.
One overall winner will be invited to join the mayor on stage to help light the Christmas tree at the annual tree-lighting ceremony on Dec. 2.
“Good luck, future Leaders!” said Rickards.
