The 2025 If I Were Mayor contest is now closed. Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry. 

2025 If I Were Mayor Contest Information

The Oregon Mayors Association (OMA) “If I were Mayor” contest is an annual event the City of Happy Valley embraces as tradition. In this contest, students are invited to share their creative ideas about how they would govern the City of Happy Valley and local winners are submitted to a statewide competition. Contest is open to students from the City of Happy Valley, students enrolled in schools that serve City of Happy Valley residents, and home-schooled students from the City of Happy Valley.

At its core, “If I Were Mayor” gives students the opportunity to take a closer look at their community and share their thoughts about safety, the environment, health, social services, youth programs and anything else they think is vital to the City. Engaging in this activity is a great way to stay connected to learning and spark some creativity. Students interested in taking part must follow the guidelines for the assignment as outlined below:

There are three grade-level contest categories:

• Grades 4 and 5 compete in a poster contest
• Grades 6 through 8 complete a typed essay
• Grades 9 through 12 create a digital media presentation (MP4 or online video format).

One lucky Happy Valley winner from each age group will receive $100 cash from the City, recognition from the Mayor and City Council at an upcoming City Council meeting and appear in an issue of Happy Valley News and on social media.

The winning entries from each category will go on to compete at the statewide level for the chance at an additional prize from the OMA.

Congratulations to 2025 winners!
*Each has been notified and will be recognized at the May 6 City Council meeting.
Poster Category – Jordan Aguilar | Verne Duncan Elementary School (4th grader)
Essay Category – Vera Davis | Cedarcrest Homeschool (8th grader)
Digital Media Category – Kelvin Chen | Clackamas High School (Senior)