by Dennis Dalman
Aki Rebeck said when she grows up she would like to be an architect, an actress and maybe – just maybe – a mayor.
Recently, Rebeck, a Sartell Middle School fifth-grader and the daughter of Ken and Tomoko Rebeck, was one of three young students honored with a state award for her essay imagining herself as mayor of a city.
The contest, sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities, was titled the Mayor for a Day Essay Contest. More than 450 students in grades five and six entered the contest. The three top winners were presented with a plaque and a $100 check. Their essays were published in Minnesota Cities, a publication of the League.
The essays were judged for creativity, originality and legibility.
Aki said she was surprised when her mother told her she’d won the contest.
“I was happy, but I really didn’t expect to win,” she said.
Her parents are both very proud of her, as is her younger sister, Sara.
The following is Aki’s award-winning essay:
If I were mayor for a day, I would make sure everything is going safely and smoothly in town.
First, I would provide lots of decent-sized parks in different neighborhoods so everyone who lives in the neighborhoods could walk or bike to the park.
Secondly, I would make sure streets and sidewalk are in good condition and smooth so everyone has a smooth surface to bike, drive, walk or run, etc.
Next, I would have lots of city events so then people can come and have some fun and meet new people.
Also, I would make sure there are things to do in our city, like, for example, more kiddy pools, pools for older kids, splash pads, dog parks, parks, trails and more so people can enjoy life outside.
Finally, I would make shelters for people who don’t have homes.
- contributed photo
Aki Rebeck
