A Hastings fourth grader spent a recent day learning about local government in a way most students never do, after winning a statewide essay contest sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities.
Vivyann Swanson, a 10 year old student at McAuliffe Elementary School, was announced the City of Hastings’ winner of the annual Mayor for a Day Essay Contest, which invites fourth, fifth and sixth graders to answer the question, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?” for a chance to win $100 and statewide recognition. The contest is run each year by the League of Minnesota Cities with the goal of encouraging young people to think about leadership, community and local government.
“My name is Vivyann Swanson, I live in Hastings, I am 10 years old, and I go to McAuliffe Elementary, and I love to dance!” she wrote in her hand-written essay. Her ideas ranged from kindness projects to improvements in public safety and parks, and a 24-hour dance space for everyone to enjoy.
“If I was Mayor for a day I would make a Hastings Kindness day,” she wrote, describing a special day aimed at encouraging people to do something nice for someone else. She also wrote that she would make sure “the police, hospital, and the fire department were all set and tell them to practice each and every week.” Vivyann even suggested placing flowers by the bridge to create a welcoming feel for visitors, and a community dance space “where everyone would pay $5.00 per person and they could go and free dance.” Her final line captured her enthusiasm for the opportunity. “As you can see, I would be very excited and busy to serve as Mayor for a day. I would do my best to help my community.”
After being named the contest winner, Vivyann joined Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender for an action-packed day of city tours and meetings. Mayor Fasbender and School Resource Officer Jim Domeier picked her up from school to begin the Mayor for a Day experience.
Their first stop was the city’s Parks Department, where Vivyann met with Parks Director Chris Jenkins and learned about the 37 parks within the city limits, what it takes to maintain them and some of the planning that goes into future improvements. She was also given a tour of the parks garage and the machines used for city work.
The next visit was to the fire department, where firefighters talked with her about their jobs and lifestyle, and she took a tour of the fire hall. Following that stop was a visit to the Hastings Police Department, where she learned about the various jobs within the department, saw the evidence room and the holding cell, and met officers on duty.
The final stretch of her day was spent at City Hall, where the real work of governance awaited. Vivyann prepared for and participated in a committee meeting that reviewed information from the parks department. According to city officials, the discussion covered current conditions in city parks and what might be required in the next five to 10 years.
Her official duty as Mayor for the Day came during the City Council meeting that evening. Vivyann called the council meeting to order, led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance and then read her winning essay to the assembled council members and guests. After she finished, the council posed for a photo with her before the meeting continued on its regular agenda.
For Vivyann’s family, the event was more than a fun experience. Her father, Mike Swanson, reflected on how important it was for his daughter to see strong leadership in her community.
“In a generation flooded with influencers, Hastings is fortunate to have many female leaders to look up to for a little girl,” he said, pointing to Mayor Fasbender, the city council, school superintendent and local business leaders as role models. “It really helps demonstrate to Vivy that she can do what she feels called to do in life and this program helps show her that she is already a leader and making an impact. Her Mom and I couldn’t be more proud.”
The League of Minnesota Cities organizes the Mayor for a Day Essay Contest each year to give students a chance to learn about city services and leadership, and to share their unique ideas for making their own communities even better places to live.