What would you do if you were mayor for a day?
Berkeley County Club member Jayden Hall wanted to throw an alcohol- and drug-free block party and establish a teen center for older Club Members. Her ideas captured the interest of Martinsburg Mayor Kevin Knowles, who had met with club members during the summer and challenged them to write an essay about what they would do if they were mayor for day.
"He said he would choose the winning essay and the prize would be to serve as Mayor of Martinsburg for a day," said Boys & Girls Club of the Eastern Panhandle CEO Stacie Rohn. "Sixteen essays were submitted, and the Mayor chose Jayden's as the winning one."
On September 8, Mayor Knowles, Jayden's mother Birttaney Taylor, and Boys & Girls Club staff surprised Jayden with the honor while she was in class at South Middle School. After being sworn in, Jayden was treated to lunch by the Mayor. Mayor Knowles also took her on a tour of city offices to meet employees. Jayden also attended a Martinsburg City Council meeting, where she read a proclamation.
"Jayden is an example of how the opportunities provided by the Boys & Girls Club encourage young people to take on leadership roles," said Rohn. "We appreciate our community partners, like the Mayor and the City of Martinsburg for providing such opportunities."