WPS Student Named District 1 Winner in MML Essay Contest
Berlin, MD – Congratulations to Worcester Preparatory School’s (WPS) 4th Grade student Jacques Hillion for earning the title of District 1 Essay Winner in the Maryland Municipal League's (MML) "If I Were Mayor, I Would…” 2026 Essay Contest.
Each year, 4th-grade students across the state participate in the “If I Were Mayor, I Would…” essay contest, and this year’s theme is “90 Years Strong: Where Tradition Meets Innovation”, encouraging students to identify a tradition they value in their community and imagine how, as mayor, they would carry that tradition 90 years into the future.
Jacques thoughtful and creative submission distinguished itself among hundreds of entries in his district, identifying the Berlin Christmas Parade as the tradition he valued the most.
In his essay, he stated, “Every tradition is important because they bring the community together and connect people. Traditions are also important because they help you have joy when going through tough times. In conclusion, every tradition is important.”
This year, over 1,500 essays were submitted by fourth-grade students across the state. Jacques, a student in Mrs. Purnell’s 4th-grade class at Worcester Prep, was chosen as the finalist representing District 1, which includes Somerset, Worcester, Wicomico, and Dorchester counties. As part of his recognition, Jacques was honored at a special luncheon held in Annapolis, where he was celebrated alongside other regional finalists from across Maryland.
The MML "If I Were Mayor, I Would…" essay contest has educated over 50,000 students about municipal government and the role of the mayor over many years. It encourages young students to learn more about local government and civic responsibility by envisioning themselves in the role of mayor.
Founded in 1970, WPS is a private, independent Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 School, located in Berlin, Maryland. Approximately 500 students attend from Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. For more information about WPS, please visit www.worcesterprep.org or call 410.641.3575.
Worcester Preparatory School
508 South Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811
Phone: 410-641-3575 | Fax: 410-641-3586
Celebrating 50 years, WPS is an independent, college prep day school for Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12 students. Located in Berlin, Maryland, the private school attracts an average of 500 students from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia.
