LEESBURG, Va. — A day in his childhood he might never forget -- a Leesburg fifth grader got to be mayor for the day.
Tal Oyewunmi, a student at Tolbert Elementary School, took on the role of Mayor of Leesburg on Feb. 9. Principals of elementary schools in the town were invited by the mayor to nominate a fourth or fifth grader to be entered into a raffle for "Mayor for the Day." The winner was randomly selected from the public schools.
Tolbert Elementary School principal Susan Mullen said Oyewunmi was recommended by two of his teachers and was selected as the Tolbert nominee because he is “kind, is great with his peers and always tries his best.” When asked why he wanted to be mayor for the day, he said, “I thought I would get to see the town’s facilities and learn some pretty cool stuff.”
He started his day as mayor with meeting Leesburg Mayor Kelly Burk and a guided tour of the Leesburg Town Hall. Tal then received personal tours of the Leesburg Police Department, Leesburg Executive Airport and the Leesburg Water Treatment Plant.
He enjoyed many parts of the day, but particularly meeting a police K-9 and flying a flight simulator.
“It means everything to be able to connect with young people and hopefully get them interested in public service,” Burk said about the program.
In recognition of his civic interest, Oyewunmi was asked to lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the Feb. 13 Loudoun County School Board meeting.
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