Fargo, North Dakota – Young students in Fargo are being recognized for sharing their ideas about leadership and community as part of a citywide essay contest designed to inspire future voices.
The City of Fargo announced the winners of its “Mayor for a Day” essay contest, an initiative that invited students from Fargo Public Schools to think creatively about how they would lead their city. Participants were asked to respond to the prompt, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” and were encouraged to share their thoughts on improving their community.
Students recognized for creativity and vision
After reviewing submissions, Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney selected two students as winners based on originality, content, grammar, and structure. Aubrie Myrmoe, a seventh-grade student in Fargo Public Schools’ Self-Directed Academy, and Laila Wangen, a third grader at Kennedy Elementary School, were chosen for their standout essays.
Both students demonstrated strong ideas and thoughtful approaches to leadership, showing how even young voices can bring fresh perspectives to community challenges. Their essays, now available online for the public to view, reflect not only creativity but also a sense of responsibility and care for the city they live in.
Special recognition at City Hall
As part of their recognition, Aubrie and Laila will take part in a special visit to City Hall alongside their families. During the visit, they will meet Mayor Mahoney and get a closer look at how local government operates.
The experience will continue later in the day, when both students are scheduled to read their winning essays during the City Commission meeting at 5 p.m. This moment will give them the opportunity to share their ideas directly with city leaders and the community.
The “Mayor for a Day” contest highlights the importance of engaging students early and encouraging them to think about leadership, civic duty, and the future of their city. By giving young people a platform to express their ideas, Fargo continues to foster a sense of involvement and pride among its students.
