Two Young Girls Win 'Mayor for a Day' Honors in Fargo

Aubrie Myrmoe and Laila Wangen share their ideas for improving the city if they were mayor for a day.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:04am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a repeated pattern of a stylized city bench or lamp post in neon shades of blue, pink, and yellow, capturing the youthful energy and creativity of the 'Mayor for a Day' contest winners.A vibrant celebration of the young civic leaders who envision a brighter future for their city.Fargo Today

Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney welcomed Aubrie Myrmoe and Laila Wangen as the winners of the 'Mayor for a Day' essay contest. The two young girls, a 7th grader and a 3rd grader, shared their ideas for improving the city, including restricting vaping, hosting community events, and fixing potholes. They received plaques and a photo opportunity with the city commission.

Why it matters

The 'Mayor for a Day' contest encourages civic engagement and gives young people a voice in local government. It also provides the mayor and city leaders with fresh perspectives on issues facing the community.

The details

In their winning essays, Aubrie Myrmoe said she would restrict vaping due to health concerns, while Laila Wangen proposed hosting community events like bonfires, art in the park, and picnics. They also suggested fixing potholes and planting flowers around buildings.

  • The contest winners were announced on March 30, 2026.

The players

Aubrie Myrmoe

A 7th grader at Fargo's Self-Directed Academy who won the 'Mayor for a Day' essay contest.

Laila Wangen

A 3rd grader at Kennedy Elementary who won the 'Mayor for a Day' essay contest.

Tim Mahoney

The mayor of Fargo, North Dakota who welcomed the contest winners.

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What they’re saying

“If I could restrict something it would be vaping because it is really addictive with all the nicotine in it and it can give you lung and heart damage.”

— Aubrie Myrmoe, 7th grader

“I would host city events like bonfires, art in the park and picnics. I would fix potholes and plant flowers around buildings. That's what I would do if i were mayor for a day.”

— Laila Wangen, 3rd grader

What’s next

The city plans to feature the winning essays on its website and social media channels to inspire other young people to get involved in local government.

The takeaway

The 'Mayor for a Day' contest in Fargo demonstrates the value of engaging youth in civic affairs and giving them a platform to share their ideas for improving their community.