Highland Boards & Commissions – Highland Main Street

Highland Main Street annual essay contest asks kids:

What would you do to improve downtown Highland? 

The question posed to Highland students – public, private and homeschooled – was created to find out from the up-and-coming generation how they feel about their very own downtown. “These are the children and teens who are making new memories, which we believe will likely be very different than those who preceded us,” said Jim Roumbos, a member of Highland Main Street and owner of Miles Books on Jewett Street. “These kids are the ones who are going to help determine what the next iteration of downtown will look like.” 

The 2024 contest was divided into three grade levels: K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Winners received cash prizes – $100 for first, $50 for second and $25 for third. 

HERE’S WHAT THEY’RE SAYING ...

“Imagine walking through Downtown Highland, where famous landmarks rival those in big cities. Think of the Leaning Tower of Pisa or the Giant Bean in Chicago, but right here in the Midwest. Highland inay not have a famous landmark, but we can create one. Imagine having a large statue of a Trojan or the Trojan horse since we are Trojans at the High School. It adds an allusion to Greek mythology that no other city has. Downtown Highland has the potential to become a lively center that not only serves the local community but also attracts visitors to take pictures and visit our town.”

– 9TH GRADER ISIS SHAW | $100 Miles Books gift certificate

Click here to read complete essay

“We all know there's a lot of shops on highway Ave. There are restaurants, hairdressers etc. One thing that can improve Highway Ave is another community outreach like the ducks. I think it'll be good for the environment.”

– 7TH GRADER PEYTON NUCKOLS | $50 Mile Books gift certificate

Click here to read complete essay

“There used to be an ice skating rink in the Main Square Park. I would like to request that it returns to Main Square Park. I love ice skating. I've done it since I was five years old. ... Downtown Highland should have an ice skating rink again.”

– 5TH GRADER MAISY MALECKI | $25 SIP gift certificate

Click here to read complete essay