Diamond Elementary Fourth Grader Selected As Gaithersburg Junior Mayor

Gaithersburg Mayor Sidney A. Katz is about to have some company on the dais.

Fourth grader Jacob Levine of Diamond Elementary School has been selected as Gaithersburg’s Junior Mayor for 2013, the city announced.

Levine was one of six finalists invited to City Hall for a video interview out of the 166 entries submitted by City of Gaithersburg fourth graders, according to a news release.

When asked during his interview to give an example of a challenge young people in Gaithersburg face, Levine indentified hunger as an issue for some city families and working with local businesses to create more jobs as a possible solution.

When asked why he would be the best choice for the job, he replied, “I would be the best choice for Gaithersburg’s Junior Mayor because I am hardworking and like listening to what other people have to say.”

In his essay, Levine stated, “I would make hangout spots like a mall or a neighborhood park safer for kids. Another thing I would do is increase pedestrian safety near school zones.”

The Junior Mayor will be invited to participate with Katz and members of the city council in several public events throughout the year.

Levine's winning essay can be viewed on the Gaithersburg website.