By: Jen Russon

Students can now enter a contest on how to make Parkland a better place to live if they were elected mayor. First place winners to this short essay prompt will enjoy “mayor for a day” status with their city mayor along with a $100 gift card.

The contest, sponsored by the Florida League of Cities and The Florida League of Mayors is open to all Florida seventh grade who attend a public or private school, or who are home-schooled.

The league’s assistant director, Linda Bridges said the contest allows students to learn more about the importance of local self-government.

“It’s also the perfect opportunity to inspire students to make a difference in their local communities. We encourage all seventh-graders to participate and look forward to reading their essays,” said Bridges.

The essays, which must clock in at 250 words or less, will fall to civics students to write.

In Broward County public schools, students in seventh grade must take civics as part of their social sciences and history curriculum.

Thanks to Home Rule, granted by the Florida Constitution in 1968, cities and counties have the power to enact or adopt most programs and ordinances, so long as these do not violate federal law.Home Rule ensures that Coral Springs can, in theory, offer residents everything under the sun.

Download an official contest entry form here, and describe how you would make a difference as mayor and how Home Rule helps make Parkland a great place to live.

Essays should be typed and received on or by January 18, 2019.