Mayor Mike Schmitz is encouraging Bismarck’s third and seventh graders to share what makes the city great and what improvements they would like to see as part of the annual ‘If I Were Mayor’ contest.
The essay contest is conducted each year by the North Dakota League of Cities (NDLC). Each spring the organization challenges area youth to think about public service and community leadership. Each grade is judged separately.
“A sense of civic leadership is critical to ensuring a strong future for our community,” said Schmitz. “I believe this essay contest is a powerful way for Bismarck’s youth to analyze their own community, see what they like, and find ways to make their hometown better. I encourage every third and seventh grader to evaluate their hometown and look for ways we can make Bismarck better, together.”
Essay entries must be emailed or postmarked no later than March 14, 2025. Essay winners will be announced in conjunction with City Government Week in April. The winning individuals will receive a $150 cash prize and have their essays featured in CITYScan, the NDLC’s monthly magazine.
For more information about contest rules and the process of submitting essays, visit the North Dakota League of City's webpage or contact Jennifer by email or by phone at 701-223-3518.