ATLANTA – Keon Guy, a sixth grader at Hutto Middle School, would create a clean environment, bring new businesses to Bainbridge and create a safe community for all ages if he were mayor. Keon’s ideas, expressed in an essay to the Georgia Municipal Association, made him a winner in GMA’s statewide “If I Were Mayor, I Would . . .” essay contest.
Keon’s essay was one of 754 essays received from students in GMA’s 10th district. Keon and the other 11 winners were honored at a luncheon in Atlanta on May 8. Each winner received $250 and other small prizes. Keon was joined at the luncheon by his family, teacher Alicia Gordon and Bainbridge Mayor Edward Reynolds.
“The essays we receive offer great insight into what is really important to our young people,” said GMA Executive Director Lamar Norton. “They have great ideas and we commend Keon for his well-written, thoughtful essay.”
A panel of officials who are also educators or involved in youth programs selected the winning essays based upon creativity, clarity, sincerity of thought and proper use of grammar.