Covington City Councilwoman Hawnethia Williams was one of four city officials to serve as a judge of the Georgia Municipal Association's "If I Were Mayor, I Would" essay contest this year. The "If I Were Mayor, I Would" essay contest gives students the opportunity to share their visions of what their community would be like under their guidance.

The annual essay contest is open to all Georgia sixth-graders. Twelve winners are chosen statewide, with one overall winner selected from that group. Each winner receives a $250 savings bond and other prizes.

Williams, a retired history teacher, was one of the judges for this year's contest, which received more than 6,200 entries. This is the fourth year Williams has served as a judge for the state-wide contest. Essays were judged on their creativity, proper usage of grammar, sincerity of thought and clarity. The winners were announced and honored along with the judges at an awards luncheon in Atlanta on April 25.