Editor's note: The Beacon is republishing stories we think will be of interest to readers. This feature is on Finley Gonzales and how she was mayor for a day. The story, written by former editor Nicholas Johnson, was originally published Sept. 6, 2017.

Rather than settle for the title of runner-up in last year's Mayor for a Day essay contest, Finley Gonzales decided to try again this year – and it paid off.

Ten-year-old Finley, a fifth grader at Endeavour Elementary School, is the winner of Beacon Publishing's eighth-annual Mayor for a Day essay contest.

She will ride with Mayor Jennifer...