VALDOSTA — Newbern’s sixth grade students were afforded the opportunity to spend time with Valdosta’s mayor. Kevin Daw, sixth grade administrator, introduced Mayor John Gayle to the students and they were overly excited to have him at NMS for lunch.

The sixth graders are participating in the “If I Were Mayor” essay contest sponsored by the Georgia Municipal Association and the City of Valdosta. The contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics knowledge to express how they would make a difference if they held the position of mayor.

One winner will be selected and will be invited, along with their parents, and a teacher, to an awards luncheon in Atlanta, Ga., where they will receive a $250 check and framed certificate. We wish our sixth grade students good luck as they begin writing their essays.

Pictured: J.L. Newbern sixth grade student, Dennis Austin, sixth grade administrator, Mr. Kevin Daw, and Mayor of Valdosta, John Gayle.

Jennifer Steedley: Valdosta City Schools public relations officer