Palos South Student Serves as Palos Heights Clerk, Treasurer for a Day

An essay written by Gabriela Espinoza, an eighth grade student at Palos South Middle School, earned her a spot as clerk and treasurer of the Palos Heights City Council for one night in October.

Ms. Espinoza joined other area students to conduct a mock meeting October 17 after her essay was selected as one of the winners of the Palos Height’s Women’s Club Mayor for a Day essay writing contest. The meeting took place before the Palos Height’s council’s regular monthly meeting.

The Palos Height’s Women’s Club started the essay contest in 1977 as a way to get students interested in serving in local government and public service.

In addition to serving as clerk and treasurer, Ms. Espinoza received a plaque and certificate for her winning essay that was presented by Mayor Bob Straz. All of the winners were treated to a pizza dinner at Lake Katherine Nature Center and Botanic Gardens clubhouse before the meeting where their winning essays were read.

While she is leaning toward a future career in business, Ms. Espinoza said that she may now consider government service after seeing how efficiently the official council meeting was run and the good decision making on display by the Palos Heights board members.