The North Dakota League of Cities is sponsoring a statewide If I Were Mayor essay contest for third and seventh grade students.

Students may submit essays on their own or through their classroom teacher. Submission requirements can be found at www.ndlc.org/essay. If I Were Mayor contest winners receive a $150 cash prize and have their essay featured in the League’s publication, CITYScan. The winners will be announced during City Government Week, April 5-9. Essays must address why the student feels their community is great and what they would do to improve their city if they were mayor.

“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.”