Gaithersburg, MD -- The City of Gaithersburg has selected Milly Abdo as the new Junior Mayor for 2023-2024. Abdo is a fourth grade student at Fields Road Elementary School. Out of five finalist, “Milly stood out as an exceptional candidate,” said Courtney Davis, the City’s Communication & Public Engagement Division Manager. The City’s Mayor, Jud Ashman, will swear in Abdo at the May 1 Mayor and City Council meeting, viewable on the City’s YouTube Channel.

The Maryland Municipal League, the Maryland Mayors Association and the Chesapeake Employers Insurance Company invites Maryland fourth grade students to enter the “If I Were Mayor…” contest. Students submit essays describing what they would do as Mayor. This year’s theme was “Preserving the Past to Power the Future.” The City took the contest a step further and asked students to write about what past traditions, beliefs, or events define Gaithersburg, which of these would they keep and honor, and which would they try to change and why. City staff and its Educational Enrichment Committee reviewed essays from Gaithersburg students and interviewed finalists. Read Abdo’s winning essay on the City's website here.

In her role, Milly will join the Mayor and members of the City Council at ceremonies and events throughout the year. Her first appearance will be at the Gaithersburg Book Festival on Saturday, May 20. She will also lead the Pledge of Allegiance at the City’s Memorial Day Observance on Tuesday, May 30. Towards the end of her term, Milly will have the opportunity to host a community service project at her school, which the Mayor and City Council will participate.

Visit the City’s website for more information on the Gaithersburg Junior Mayor program.