Fairfield seventh-grader Kate Miller wins essay contest

FAIRFIELD – A Fairfield seventh-grader has won the grand prize of the Iowa League of Cities “If I were Mayor” essay contest.

Kate Miller, daughter of Paul and Kristin Miller, took home not only the top honor but also a $500 college scholarship. Fairfield Mayor Connie Boyer bestowed the award on Kate during the Fairfield City Council’s meeting Monday, April 14.

Kate said that her English and Language Arts teacher at FMS, Ms. Tena Edlin, introduced the class to the “If I were Mayor,” and even had Mayor Boyer come to class to talk about it. Boyer talked about her responsibilities as mayor, and gave the students some ideas to write about.

Kate said this is not the first essay contest she has entered. She entered one in the Fairfield Elks’ contest essay “What the Flag Means to Me” last year. After listening to Boyer’s talk, Kate thought about the problems in the community and some potential solutions.

“One of them is abandoned lots and vacant land that could be made into nice spaces and improve people’s mental health,” Kate said. “I wrote about taking care of first-responders and making sure they’re funded, because they keep us safe.”

Kate also wrote about how she would renovate the Jefferson County Fairgrounds and improve the ball fields at O.B. Nelson Park. She said fairs are an important part of Fairfield’s history especially considering it hosted the very first state fair. She remarked that O.B. Nelson is a popular spot for games.

“When people go to tournaments, they buy stuff and that brings money in for local businesses,” she said.

Outside of her school work, Kate keeps busy with many extra-curricular activities such as volleyball, track, softball and wrestling. On the track team, she does the distance medley, 4 x 200 meter relay and discus. She’s also a member of the 4-H club Future Leaders, and shows animals such as cows, horses and turkeys at the Greater Jefferson County Fair.

Kate has two older siblings, twins John and Frances.

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Call Andy Hallman at 641-575-0135 or email him at andy.hallman@southeastiowaunion.com