This is your chance to dream big and make your voice heard! Imagine what it would be like to help shape the future of our city; keeping the traditions we love while adding awesome new ideas for tomorrow.

Theme: “Where Tradition Meets Innovation”
How can Gaithersburg keep its favorite traditions while adding cool new ideas for the future?

• What’s one tradition or special place in Gaithersburg that you think we should keep forever? Why is it important to you?
• Think about something old, like a building, event, or way of doing things. How would you mix it with new technology or ideas to make it even cooler today?

Word Limit: 275 words

Participants must be City of Gaithersburg residents in fourth grade. To verify residency, use this address lookup tool.

• Deadline: March 19, 2026
• Email essays (individual or class submissions) to patrice.payne@gaithersburgmd.gov
• Each submission must include the student’s name, address, teacher, and school.

Essays will be evaluated based on:
✔ Relevance to the theme
✔ Knowledge of municipal government & mayoral role
✔ Creativity
✔ Grammar & writing quality

The top five finalists will be invited to a panel interview, and the winner will be announced in early April. The new Junior Mayor will be formally introduced at a Mayor & City Council meeting. Certificates of participation are available upon request.

The winning essay will be featured on the City’s website, and the Junior Mayor will represent Gaithersburg at various City events, including the Gaithersburg Book Festival, Memorial and Veterans Day Observances, SummerFest, and the Labor Day and St. Patrick’s Day Parades.