Tyler Hussey was appointed the new mayor of Troy on Tuesday.

But his title was only effective for one day.

Hussey, a Pike Liberal Arts School student, won the city’s 11th annual Mayor for a Day essay competition for seventh-graders.

“It’s a good opportunity to tour Troy,” Hussey, 13, said during a morning stop at the police station. “And we didn’t have to go to school.”

Seven other students were also recognized as part of the contest. Susie Stell, a student at Pike Liberal Arts School, was named city clerk. Christopher Farrar (PLAS), Savannah Hollis (PLAS), Laura Lynn Davis (PLAS), Corey Brandy (Charles Henderson Middle School) and Chris Goforth (CHMS) were all given the task of being a city council member for the day. Ryan Winterbourn at CHMS was awarded an honorable mention.

CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE STUDENT CITY COUNCIL MEETING.

“It’s a really great way for the students to see how their city government works,” said the city’s Special Projects Coordinator Ashley Smallwood.

The students got a taste of public service publicity when they were on the air at WTBF Tuesday morning. Later they visited the Johnson Center, Troy Police Department, Troy Fire Department, waste water treatment facility and met with their adult city council counterparts.

Goforth, 12, said he entered the contest because there were some things around town he believed needed to be changed.

“Houses, we have too many run-down houses,” Goforth said. “We could use those for something, or use the land for something.”

Hollis, 13, said she wanted to see “more safety on the roads.”

“I was excited to be chosen,” Hollis said. “I’ve been looking forward to seeing how the mayor runs the city.”

While spending time at City Hall, the group of seventh graders learned about writing resolutions and even participated in their own council meeting that will be televised on Channel 52.

Hussey will have his essay published in The Messenger and will receive a $100 Visa gift card from Troy Bank & Trust. The other students will each receive a $50 savings bond from WTBF.