Friendswood welcomed a special guest to City Hall on July 14 as Rose Sheaffer, a third-grade student at Cline Elementary School, stepped into the role of Mayor for the Day.
Rose began her day with a brief swearing-in ceremony, officially taking the oath of office before spending the day learning firsthand about the many departments and services that keep the city running. Throughout the day, she toured City Hall and visited several municipal facilities, including the Friendswood Police Department, Friendswood Fire Department, and Friendswood Library, where she met with city employees and learned about the work they do to serve the community.
When asked what she would change if she were mayor, Rose had a simple but heartfelt vision for Friendswood. She said she would plant a field of flowers at Stevenson Park, adding even more beauty to one of the city’s most popular gathering places.
Outside of school, Rose is actively involved in the performing arts through Purple Box Theater, where she enjoys developing her acting and performance skills. Looking ahead, she hopes to become a veterinarian, combining her love of animals with a future career helping them.
The day concluded with lunch alongside Mayor Mike, giving Rose the opportunity to ask questions about city leadership and learn more about the responsibilities of serving as Friendswood’s mayor.
Rose’s opportunity to serve as Mayor for the Day was made possible through the generosity of her grandmother, Rhonda Handy, who purchased the experience during the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation Gala earlier this year.
The Mayor for the Day program has become a popular tradition in Friendswood, offering young residents a behind-the-scenes look at local government while supporting education in the community. Each year, the experience is auctioned during the Friendswood ISD Education Foundation Gala, with proceeds benefiting educational initiatives throughout Friendswood.
