Two Philomath students earned top honors in the 2026 “If I Were Mayor …” student contest with their entries advancing to statewide consideration by the Oregon Mayors Association.
Muriel Appanaitis of Philomath Elementary School won the Grades 4-5 category, and Brooke St. Clair of Philomath Middle School took the top spot in the Grades 6-8 category, the city announced.
The annual contest invites students to share their ideas about leadership, community values and civic responsibility through creative submissions imagining themselves in the mayor’s role.
City officials thanked all students who participated, noting that each submission reflected thoughtful perspectives on leadership and civic engagement.
Each winner receives a special day of activities and prizes, beginning with a police escort ride from their school to the Philomath Police Station, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. At Philomath City Hall, each winner will receive a commemorative mayor’s block and gavel presented by the mayor, a certificate of excellence, a City Council-style nameplate featuring their name and a city of Philomath bag to hold their prizes.
The winners will also have lunch with the mayor and one or two city councilors before touring Philomath Fire and Rescue’s Station 201 and getting a ride back to school in a fire truck.
The winning entries now move forward for statewide consideration through the Oregon Mayors Association.