41st Annual Mayor’s Essay Contest 

For more than four decades, the Mayor’s Essay Contest has given Edmond’s youngest residents a voice — and a chance to reflect on what makes their community special. Now in its 41st year, the annual contest continues to inspire creativity, kindness, and civic pride among local elementary students. 

“I am thrilled to invite all our students to participate in this year’s Annual Mayor’s Essay Contest,” said Mayor Nash. “This is your chance to share your creativity, leadership ideas, and vision for our community through the theme, ‘Mayor for a Day.’ I encourage you to think boldly about how you would improve our neighborhoods, support local families, strengthen our schools, and make our city an even better place to live. Your voice matters, and this contest is an opportunity to be heard, inspire others, and showcase the incredible talent and insight of our young leaders. I cannot wait to read your ideas and see the future of our city through your eyes.” 

Each year, 1st through 5th graders respond to a prompt designed to spark imagination and thoughtful reflection. Recent topics have encouraged students to explore everything from community values to creative storytelling. In 2022, students reflected on how showing kindness can make a difference in Edmond. In 2023, they created winter wonderlands filled with vivid detail. In 2024, they imagined a city mascot and its role in the community. 

Last year was the contest’s 40th anniversary, and students marked the milestone event by writing about their favorite part of Edmond and why it’s important to them. Fifth grader Afton G. wrote about her love for Mitch Park, calling it “an easy place to love.” Third grader Lincoln M. celebrated Downtown Edmond, writing, “Downtown Edmond is my favorite place to spend time with my family, and to have fun. I really love this town… It is an amazing place to live.” 

This year, students are invited to answer the question: If you were Mayor for one day, what would you do and why? Essays should be 250 words or fewer and may be turned in at the City of Edmond, City Hall, 22 E. Main St., or emailed as a scanned copy to MayorEssay@edmondok.gov by Friday, March 13. Each entry must include the student’s name, school, grade, and a parent’s phone number and email address. First-place winners in each grade level will be recognized at the April 13 City Council Meeting, and winners will be notified by email by March 31. For additional information, call (405) 359-4577.