Frosty Fest essay winners offer ideas
Some of the youngest residents of West Chicago offered their perspectives on ways to improve the community in the annual essay contest that is part of the annual Frosty Fest celebration.
The goal for this year's essay prompt - "What Would Frosty Do (if he were Mayor) to Make West Chicago an Even Better Place for Everyone" - was timed to coincide with the city's undertaking of a strategic planning process that aims to include as broad a segment of the population as possible.
Since it was introduced in 2007, the essay contest strives to build on the students' connection to local government, encourage the exchange of fresh ideas, and plant the seeds that inspire future civic involvement.
The elementary and middle school students who chose to participate this year wrote insightful essays that left no doubt about the future of the community being in good hands. The essays were thoughtful, creative and well-written.
Responses included the creation of a citywide donation center, the recruitment of more stores and a movie theater, an increase of stop signs in residential areas, and the addition of sidewalks in neighborhoods currently without them.
"The city wishes to thank all the students who participated; and all the teachers, parents and (West Chicago Elementary) District 33 administrators who encouraged participation," Mayor Ruben Pineda said.
"It's always a pleasure to visit our schools and witness the enthusiasm and excitement that our future generation has for its community. These are tomorrow's leaders."
The winning essays were written by the following students:
Grade 1-2: Julia Koput, Gary School
Grade 5-6: Alex Beaulieu, Wegner School, and Swapna George, Leman Middle School
The winning students enjoyed a classroom visit from Pineda. They also were invited to ride a horse-drawn carriage during the Frosty Fest procession, as well as receive special acknowledgment on the Frosty Fest stage, where they read their essays and helped light the official community tree.