Wendling was one of six first-place regional winners, and last week learned that she had been named the overall state winner in the League of Kansas Municipalities’ annual essay contest, “If I Were Mayor.”
“It was really fun,” Sarah said this morning. “It was really cool.”
She was accompanied by her parents, Peggy and Scott Wendling; her teacher, Michelle Barnhart; her grandfather, Seraphin Wendling; and an aunt and uncle, David and Gina Wendling.
Sarah received two plaques in a ceremony on the second floor of the Capitol, and also won a $500 savings bond. Later, Rep. Peggy Mast of Emporia presented a certificate to Sarah on the floor of the House of Representatives. Sarah read her essay to the group, which included state and city officials. The essay will be published in the Kansas Government Journal.
“For her keyboarding practice, she’s been typing the speech,” Peggy Wendling said, as she described her daughter’s method for rehearsing earlier this week.
In her essay, Sarah said that if she were mayor she would “develop a long-range plan for improving and maintaining the city’s infrastructure, especially the water and sewer lines. Some of our city patrons currently lack adequate water pressure. A new water tower cannot be built until proper water lines can be laid to withstand the higher water pressure.”
She also mentioned the need for more street lights and attractive landscaping in front of city businesses.
“...I would place a priority on getting (sidewalks) fixed to make sure they are safe for children and especially the elderly. That way, people can be safer by walking on the sidewalks instead of on the streets.”
She also included a recreation center in her plan so that young and old can stay physically fit and have opportunities to participate in athletics.
“We need a place that can be utilized year-round,” she wrote. “I think a recreation center would also be a safe place for parents to send their kids after school, if child care isn’t available.
“I’d be busy as a mayor, but as long as I’m listening to the citizens of our community and helping the city council make responsible decisions, I think I’d be a good one.”
The essay contest was part of “City Hall Days” at the Capitol. The Olpe group also were guests at the Capitol for lunch. Another aunt, Mary Jo Wendling, and children joined them for lunch.
Sarah is one of 25 students who entered the competition as an assignment in Barnhart’s writers’ workshop class. Chad Schmidt of Olpe won first place in this region in last year’s competition, as a student in Barnhart’s social studies class.
Barnhart said that Sarah earlier had been notified that she was the northeast region winner, and last week received a call to say that her essay had been judged best in the state.
“It’s very rewarding,” Barnhart said. “That’s a great little motivational tool when you can point to previous success.”
Sarah returned to school before the end of the day on Thursday to share her success with classmates.
“She got the VIP treatment,” Barnhart said this morning.