Submitted Photo N.D. League of Cities Executive Director Blake Crosby, left, stands with essay winner Michael Moore and Des Lacs-Burlington teacher Chelsea Thompson on May 24.

DES LACS – Michael Moore, a seventh-grade student at Des Lacs-Burlington School, wrote a winning essay for the North Dakota League of Cities’ ‘If I Were Mayor Essay’ contest. Moore was presented with a certificate and cash prize during a school assembly on May 24.

Each spring the North Dakota League of Cities sponsors a statewide ‘If I Were Mayor’ essay contest for third and seventh grade students. The contest encourages young people to think about public service and future community leadership. Essays must address why the student feels their community is great and what they would do to improve their city if they were mayor. Moore’s essay was chosen as one of two winners from 700 entries from across North Dakota.

“It’s important to help our youth understand how city government touches their lives every day,” said NDLC Executive Director Blake Crosby. “This essay contest is a great way to begin that dialogue.”

“If I Were Mayor Essay” contest winners receive a $150 cash prize and have their essay featured in the League’s publication, CITYScan.