Mayor for a Day, Celeste Roland (seated) with Mayor Jerry Chapman (left) and Attorney Ronnie RentzMayor for a Day On Friday, April 16, Celeste Roland was sworn in as “Mayor” for the day in the City of Colquitt. This was part of an essay contest sponsored by the City of Colquitt and the Georgia Municipal Association entitled “If I Were Mayor I Would.” The contest gives students a chance to creatively use grade-specific language arts skills and civics/social studies knowledge. It also gives them an opportunity to receive a greater knowledge of how local municipal government operates. The contest was open to all sixth graders in the state of Georgia. Celeste was the local essay contest winner from MCMS and was treated to being allowed to be Mayor of Colquitt for the day. She was given the opportunity to tour all departments of the city as well as sign paychecks for the day. In addition she was given insight as to how the city operates its departments as well as what it takes to be mayor of a small community. After a tiring day of running the city and dealing with the political process, Celeste was glad to get back to her normal life at school. Celeste is the daughter of Stevie Roland and Angie Roland of Colquitt and is a sixth grade student at Miller County Middle School. Following is Celeste’s winning essay:

If I were mayor, I would suggest to get all the citizens to recycle cans, plastic, and paper, find homes for all the cats and dogs, and make it easier for the young, old, and disabled. There are a million of suggestions from me, but these three are my favorite.

First of all, I would get all of the citizens in Colquitt to recycle paper, plastic, and cans. In my opinion, littering is very wrong, and it also hurts some wildlife animals. There is no reason for people to throw trash on the ground; that’s why men created trash cans and recycle bins. It also makes out-of-town visitors not want to come back to Colquitt because there is so much trash in our community.

Second, I would make it easier for the young, old, and disabled. For instance, like getting money from taxes to make wheelchairs, canes, and sanitizing some hospitals, so some people won’t get sick. Every time I see old and disabled people at the grocery store getting out of their cars, it makes me want to cry and just help them. Some young, old, and disabled people can’t even walk, talk, or drive, like everyday things in life.

And lastly, I would help find homes for cats and dogs. Some animals don’t even have homes to get fed, cleaned or even loved. And some get into lots of trouble and get killed. I think it’s sad to see starving cats and dogs on the side of the road begging for food. We could make good decisions by picking up every cat or dog we see, and taking it to the Humane Society, so they can get fed and bought by kind people. Do the right thing by helping.