Valdosta Mayor John Gayle recognized the first, second and third place winners of the “If I Were Mayor, I Would” 6th Grade Essay Contest at the April 25 City Council meeting. The annual contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics knowledge to express, in 350 words or less, how they would make a difference if they held the top elected position in the city.

The City of Valdosta congratulates the following students:

First Place:
Kaylee McCutchan, Valdosta Middle School
Teacher: Marilyn Johnson

Second Place:
Malcolm Alvarado, Valdosta Middle School
Teacher: Nadine Whitfield

Third Place:
Laneigh Alford, Valdosta Early College Academy
Teacher: Jessica LeFiles

Also in attendance at the presentation were Valdosta Middle School Principal Dr. David Cole and Valdosta Early College Academy Principal Ingrid Hall.

The students read their winning essays before the mayor and council, their teachers and principals, their families and others in attendance at the meeting. Each student received a framed certificate, a City of Valdosta challenge coin and a prize bag.

Upon hearing the students read their essays, Mayor Gayle said, “I want to commend all of our outstanding winners. You are wonderful representatives of our city, and we are all very proud of each of you. I look forward to seeing your names in the future as you go on to do great things in and for this community—maybe even one day, becoming the mayor!”

The essay contest is held during the third week of April each year in observance of Georgia Cities Week—a week of events that highlights the quality of life programs and services that cities provide for citizens. For more information, contact Public Information Officer Sementha Mathews at (229) 259-3548.

Press Release from the City of Valdosta