Broadneck Student Wins 'If I Were Mayor' Essay Contest

Sabrina Gleitz, a fourth-grader at , was selected as one of just 11 winners from across the state in an essay contest where she described what she would do "If I Were Mayor."

Sabrina's essay focused on the need for sidewalks in the community, and ways to get people to participate in raising funds for them.

“[I would] create a municipality that is a better place to live, work, and play. I would address the problem of sidewalks starting and stopping randomly," Sabrina wrote in her essay (see attached PDF).

Of the more than 2,000 essays written for the contest, 11 were chosen as award winners.

On Tuesday, Sabrina and other elementary student essay winners from across Maryland gathered at the State House for an awards ceremony led by Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown. 

"You've heard it before, but you are our future," Brown said. "You could be our leaders."

The event started by Maryland Municipal League President Michael Bennett asking for a show of hands in the audience for those who wanted to be mayors when they grew up. No one raised their hands, which created a stir of laughter in the crowd.

Delegate Mike McDermont (R-District 38B) said the question the essay asked was an important first step many politicians took before they set out on their careers.

"That's how most of us started out, asking ourselves that question," he said. "You may not have raised your hands, but there were hands that went up inside those hearts."

After having her photo taken a few dozen times, Sabrina spoke with Patch about the whole affair. Calm and composed despite all the attention, Sabrina said she was glad to be selected for her essay. 

"I thought it was really cool to meet the Lt. Governor," Sabrina said.

Her teacher Karen Walsh, of BES, was also present. Walsh said she was very proud of Sabrina and the passion shown in her essay.

Event winners took home a governor’s citation, an award plaque and $100 cash. After the ceremony, the students, their parents and teachers went out for a boat ride on the Harbor Queen.