About the Contest
Each year, MML and the Maryland Mayors’ Association (MMA) invite 4th grade students throughout Maryland to participate in a statewide essay contest: “If I Were Mayor, I Would...” This year, students are asked to include ideas for reaching out to all community members.

The contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics / social studies knowledge.

Information for Teachers: Contest Rules
The best way to ensure your students understand how municipal government works is to hear it directly from an official. Interested in a school visit? Visit our Municipal Websites page to find your municipality’s website and contact information. Contact the city / town clerk or administrator / manager to request a visit from your mayor or a councilperson. Officials are willing to do visits November through mid-March to talk about municipal government, its role in the community, and the essay contest theme.

You may also use the Municipal Government Handbook as a study guide to help your students understand the role of municipal officials. (Please note that this contest is not affiliated with any county public school system in Maryland.)

The 2013 Essay Award Ceremony will be held in Annapolis, MD on Tuesday, May 14. Winners will be notified mid-late April via their teacher.

Additional Resources

• 2013 Essay Contest Brochure/Entry Form