The City of Gaithersburg has selected Naman Kedilaya, a fourth-grade student at Diamond Elementary School, as its new Junior Mayor. Naman was sworn in by Mayor Jud Ashman during the May 5 Mayor and City Council meeting. Video of the swearing in available below.
Per the City of Gaithersburg: Fourth graders in Gaithersburg were invited to share what they would do if they were Mayor in an essay contest to become the City’s next Junior Mayor. The theme for this year’s contest, to be explored in 275 words or less, was “Building Community for a New Generation.” City staff and the Educational Enrichment Committee reviewed essays from Gaithersburg students and interviewed finalists.
Naman’s winning essay focused on leading with kindness and love and addressed ending bullying. “It is very important to me to build an environment that is inclusive and welcoming of everyone. If I were Junior Mayor, I would create a program that pairs kids who have never been friends before with each other. If we take the time to get to know someone new, we can learn from each other and all feel like we belong.” Naman’s essay was submitted by his fourth-grade teacher, Ms. Wendy Stewart. Read Naman’s full essay here.
In his role as Junior Mayor, Naman will join the Mayor and members of the City Council at public ceremonies and events throughout the year. His first appearance will be at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 17. He will also lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the City’s Memorial Day Observance on Friday, May 30. Towards the end of his term, Naman will have the opportunity to host a community service project at his school, which the Mayor and City Council will participate.
For more information on the Junior Mayor program, please contact Patrice Payne at [email protected] or 240-805-1171.