Katie Ross, a sixth grader at Harbour Pointe Middle School, is the runner up in Beacon Publishing's third annual Mayor for a Day essay contest. Read her essay here. -Ed.

Mukilteo is not a city that just appears on a map. There are so many different things in Mukilteo to do. There are so many things to like about Mukilteo. There are so many things to see and to love in Mukilteo.

Mukilteo is the most unique out of all the “that-place-is-sooo-unique-mommy-I-really-want-to-go-to-that-place-please-please-please?!” places. It’s almost like a perfect place to be. Fate. Karma.

But there is one thing that stands out above all.

What I absolutely love about Mukilteo: the beach. In the summer, I like to head down to the Mukilteo beach. My mom will finally find a parking spot, (“finally,” because there are so many people reading our minds and copying us), and we will head down to the legendary Ivar’s, just to get some ice cream.

Then, I will go down to the beach and walk around. It’s very peaceful. It’s nice and cool. The Mukilteo beach is very relaxing.

The reason I find it awesome and such a great place is because 1) It’s not far. 2) Kids, including me, are always hungry (for ice cream and lunch) and trying to get revenge on their parents by growing taller than they are.

3) Why not? It’s a fantastic way to cool down and play on the playground. Man, I love going around and around spinning on the red chair in the playground. Hey, I’m not too old for that!

Here’s a recipe for Mukilteo:

Take a big piece of paradise-like land. Sprinkle handfuls of very happy people; mix in sunshine and lots of rain. Pour in restaurants with food to die for; and dice in the future Dog Park, the Japanese Gulch, the Mukilteo Parade and the Lighthouse Festival. Blend in friends to look forward seeing again and great schools. Finally, carefully knead in the Mukilteo beach.

This is as good as life could get.