Colleyville, Texas

      Colleyville, Texas…At 13, Kathryn Cotton is ready to take on the role of civic leader—at least for a day. Ms. Cotton, an eighth-grade student at St. Vincent’s Cathedral School, was selected as the winner of the city’s first Mayor for a Day essay contest.

      “Kathryn is a great example of the next generation. It’s never too early for kids to know about the world around them—and to understand that they can have an impact on their world,” stated Mayor David Kelly.

      Ms. Cotton’s essay covered topics concerning residential and commercial development, crime prevention, community development and pollution. While the Mayor for a Day contest is Ms. Cotton’s first foray into municipal government, it is not her first experience in high office. She serves on her school’s student council and as president of St. Vincent’s chapter of the National Junior Honor Society.

      The eighth grader will take the honorary oath of office at the regularly scheduled Colleyville City Council meeting on Nov. 1. Her day in the mayor’s role will include tours of the Colleyville Justice Center and firehouses. She will co-preside over the pre-council and council meetings with Mayor David Kelly.

      In addition to serving in a student leadership role at her school, Ms. Cotton is a competitive figure skater. She recently won the Southwestern Regional Skating Competition in her age group and classification and has advanced to the Junior Nationals event in December.

      Mayor David Kelly has championed the Mayor for a Day contest to allow young people the opportunity to experience city government and to foster a sense of community interest and involvement.