Essay Contest Taps Youths' Insights

West Chicago, Illinois: December 28, 2015 - Citizen engagement of West Chicago's elementary and middle school students through an annual essay contest sponsored by the City of West Chicago as part of Frosty Fest, offered an opportunity to tap the perspectives of some of the youngest members of the community on ways to improve West Chicago. 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 well-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 contest strives to build on the students' connection to local governement, encourage the exhange of fresh ideas, and plant the seeds that inspire future civic involvement. Those that chose to participate in classrooms or at home this year, wrote insightful essays that left no doubt about the future of the community being in good hands. They 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 District 33 administrators who encouraged participation," said Mayor Ruben Pineda. "It's always a pleasure to visit our schools and witness the enthusiasm and excitement that our future generation has for their community. These are tomorrow's leaders".

The winning essays were written by the following students:

Grade 1 -2 Category

Julia Koput - Gary School

Grade 5 - 6 Category

Alex Beaulieu - Wegner School

Swapna George - Leman Middle School

The winning students enjoyed a classroom visit from Mayor Pineda. They also were invited to ride a horse-drawn carriage with Mayor and Mrs. Pineda during the Frosty Fest procession, as well as receive special acknowledgement on the Frosty Fest stage where they read their essays and helped light the official community tree. The essays may be found at westchicago.org.