The town of Farmville and Mayor David Whitus invite local seventh-graders to participate in the Virginia Municipal League’s (VML) annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest. The contest promotes civic engagement and allows students to describe what they would do as mayor to make the town a great place to live. The contest is open to all seventh-graders. Essays must be 200-500 words, typed, and include the student’s name, home address, telephone, school, teacher’s name and teacher’s email address. Essays must be received at the VML office by Thursday, Dec. 1.

Eight regional winners will be announced in January and will receive a $150 cash prize and a plaque. One statewide winner will receive a $250 cash prize and plaque.

Submit entries to: VML, Attn: 7th Grade Essay Contest, P.O. Box 12164, Richmond, VA 23241. For more information contact, Sherall Dementi at sdementi@vml.org.

For more information contact Lisa Hricko, 434-392-5686 or lhricko@farmvilleva.com