A Way With Words

by Jeannine Gage

Two Seminole County students recently earned statewide recognition for their well-expressed thoughts on how they would run a city if given the opportunity.

Rawy Soliman of Oviedo captured first place and Tanish Arora of Sanford earned second place in the Florida League of Mayors and Florida League of Cities’ annual If I Were Elected Mayor essay contest. Both boys attend Seminole Science Charter School in Lake Mary. 

The competition attracted nearly 1,200 submissions from middle school students across Florida. The contest challenged students in grades six through eight to imagine themselves as mayor and explain how they would improve their communities in that role.

Rawy, a rising seventh grader, says the contest was fun for two reasons: “I really like to write, and the topic was very interesting to me.”

Tanish, a rising eighth grader, was excited when he learned how well he did.

“It was a very big contest,” he says. “The chances to win were very low. I was very happy because I spent a long time trying to refine my ideas.”

Contest organizers told administrators at Seminole Science Charter School that it was the first time students from the same school had won first- and second-place honors in the competition. The essays had clear points of view and reflected the personalities and passions of Rawy and Tanish.

“We’re extremely proud,” says Principal Heather Wence. "Both boys are very focused  on community. Their essays reflected that.”

Feeling Safe and Secure

Rawy’s essay focused on public safety and environmental protection, emphasizing the importance of creating communities where residents can thrive.

“Without safety, the whole city is out of control,” says Rawy. “If you don’t feel safe where you live, you can’t really be happy.”

He also believes protecting the environment is essential to a    community’s future.

“If we don’t take care of the crops, then we can’t eat,” says Rawy. “If we don’t take care of lakes and rivers, we can’t drink.”

The concept of home rule, in which a municipality is allowed to govern itself and pass local ordinances without legislative approval, also intrigues Rawy.

“I really like the idea of how people can fix things themselves,” he says. “With home rule, a city can create its own rules that best fit the community.”

Ahmed Soliman, Rawy’s father, says he is a well-rounded student who excels in several subjects.

“Rawy is really good in math and competes in that, too,” says Ahmed. “He also does well in science and this last year, he’s been writing a lot. He’s a good kid, and we’re really proud of him.”

Bridging the Generation Gap

For Tanish, concern for the environment and respect for older generations were central themes. His essay focused on sustainability initiatives and programs that would strengthen connections between kids and senior citizens.

“I really wanted something where young people, with their new and excited ideas, and older people, with their experience, could work together,” he says.

Tanish’s inspiration came in part from his close relationship with his grandmother.

“My grandmother has a lot of life experience,” he says. “I really like that.”

Environmental stewardship was another priority for Tanish. Seeing large amounts of waste while traveling through local communities motivated him to address sustainability issues in his essay.

“I always think about the environment,” he says. “It’s kind of mind-blowing when you think about how much trash we all generate.”

Rawy and Tanish will be recognized during the Lake Mary City Commission meeting on August 6. David Mealor, Lake Mary’s mayor, says it makes him feel optimistic when young people are interested in local government.

“One of the great joys I have is that every time I interact with the students in our community, I come away inspired and impressed,” says Mayor Mealor. “If they are reflective of our future, it’s going to be very bright because not only are they engaged and involved, but they also genuinely care about their community and their future.”