HAGERSTOWN – Big dreams filled the City Council chamber on June 10, as five young students from Paramount Elementary School stepped up to the podium and shared their visions for a better Hagerstown.
Recognized as semi-finalists in the Maryland Municipal League’s annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest, these students didn’t just receive certificates; they captivated the room with heartfelt, thoughtful and at times surprisingly ambitious ideas for leading the city they call home.
The ideas presented were community-focused and solution-driven, from improving parks and building shelters to cleaning up litter and encouraging inclusion.
A new generation of civic leaders
Raina Joi Perry, Rabi Lawal, Kamryn McCarty, Alexander Vega-Tarre and Oliver Dobbins read their winning essays during a special recognition segment of the June 10 Work Session. The contest, held annually across Maryland, invites fourth-grade students to reflect on what they would do if they were mayor for a day.
Raina Joy Perry called for creating inclusive traditions, increasing park access, lowering taxes and building community centers that double as spaces for connection and social support. She also suggested establishing donation centers and recycling “parties” to clean up public areas, a civic-minded approach that earned applause from city leaders and attendees alike.
Rabi Lawal emphasized creating more spaces for community fun, from parks and hotels to entertainment venues. “As mayor, I would listen to the concerns of citizens with care and respect,” she said, adding that community input would be a regular part of her governing style.
Kamryn McCarty focused on environmental stewardship and homelessness. Her plan included a “five-piece trash pickup” initiative for every resident, alongside converting abandoned buildings into shelters offering one-month stays paired with job placement support. “We want them to improve their situation,” she explained, “but we don’t want to give them everything.”
Alexander Vega-Tarre took a broader view, expressing interest in improving healthcare access, building more entertainment options and promoting kindness and respect across the city. He even proposed issuing licenses for sidewalk chalk use, a nod to preserving neighborhood comfort and property rights.
Oliver Dobbins, recognized later in the meeting, imagined a Hagerstown with more affordable housing, increased public safety through expanded policing, graffiti removal and youth art initiatives, including a new museum to feature children’s work.
A moment to celebrate
The students gathered afterward for photos with Mayor William McIntyre and council members, earning standing ovations and warm congratulations. “Parents and teachers, you should be very proud,” McIntyre said, beaming. “That was one of the best experiences I’ve had as mayor.”
The contest and the council’s recognition weren’t just ceremonial; they were a reminder of how much young people are paying attention and how deeply they care about the future of their hometown.
The bigger picture
Each year, the “If I Were Mayor” contest provides students statewide with a platform to think critically about leadership and community service. For Hagerstown, Paramount Elementary’s strong showing with five semi-finalists was a proud moment for the local school community and the city.
The city celebrated civic imagination by bringing young voices into the public sphere, signaling that the next generation is ready to lead, perhaps sooner than we think.
