by Anthonette Klinkerman

Mayor for a day. How does that sound? Now that Castle Pines North (CPN) is settling into city-hood, Mayor Maureen Shul is proposing an essay contest for area students to practice their writing skills this summer.

Students in kindergarten through the fifth grade are encouarged to participate in the first heat of this contest. Students in subsequent grades can participate later this year.

Bike paths, police services, recreation areas, street lights and crosswalks, fire protection, and road repair are just some of the concerns of the new government of CPN. Much more information is available with a little bit of research. Essay contest rules include:

• Essays should be 200 – 400 words.
  
• One essay per student, first and last names, school and grade level included.
  
• Essays will be judged upon relation to the contest topic, knowledge about the role of a mayor, legibility and proper use of spelling rules and grammar.
  
• Essays must be received by July 18, 2008.

Teachers and parents submitting student essays should mail entries to the CPN Master Association, 7402 Yorkshire Lane, Castle Pines North, 80108, or e-mail essays to .

The winning entry will receive prizes, meet the mayor, and receive mention in the The Connection. The winning essay in its entirety will be published at www.cpnhoa.org.