Mayor Introduces 2026 Kid Mayor Jamie Howard and Kid Council

Mayor Kapszukiewicz introduced the 2026 Kid Mayor, Jamie Howard, and the new Kid City Council during a press conference on April 1, 2026. Jamie, a student at Ella P. Stewart Academy, earned the role after an interview process that highlighted her leadership, creativity, and dedication to her school and community.

Jamie, 10, has attended Ella P. Stewart since preschool and is known by teachers as a natural leader. She helps younger students get to their buses, serves as a teacher's helper, and participates in extracurricular activities including Girl Scouts, New Concepts, Choir, Basketball, and formerly cheerleading. She enjoys dance, puzzles, crafting beaded bracelets, and outdoor activities. Jamie even created "Panther Pens" for a school marketing project, which were a hit with staff.

As Kid Mayor, Jamie will lead the 2026 Kid Council, made up of students from Washington Local and Toledo Public Schools. Council members will represent their schools, learn about city operations, and prepare for a Mock City Council meeting in January.

This year's Kid Council includes:Washington Local
Niamh Bagley, Monac Elementary
Reese Hawes, Greenwood Elementary
Marlee Marx, McGregor Elementary
Lia Mendoza, Meadowvale Elementary
Larkin Thompson, Hiawatha Elementary
Brystol Wojtowicz, Shoreland Elementary
Toledo Public Schools
Lucy Adams-Brewer, Beverly Elementary
Eleanor Ehrick, DeVeaux Elementary
Alex Obu, Navarre Elementary
Ty'Shaun Peppers, Sherman Elementary
Maya Ramos, Burroughs ElementaryAshtyn Snow,
Marshall STEMM Academy
Jamie Howard, Ella P. Stewart Academy

Throughout the year, Jamie and the Kid Council will take part in hands-on activities, including meeting with city officials, presenting ideas to improve the community, and attending events such as a downtown scavenger hunt, a tour of the wood lot with the Department of Public Services, and a visit to Firehouse #6. They will also serve as role models through community projects, including joining the Litter League to help keep Toledo clean.

"This program continues to empower young leaders and gives them the opportunity to make a real difference in their community," Caryn Maloney, Commissioner of Civic Engagement, said. "We are excited to see Jamie and the Kid Council put their ideas into action and inspire their peers throughout the city."

This is the fifth year of the Kid Mayor program, which continues to inspire young leaders in Toledo. Previous Kid Mayors include Evelyn Bush, Gabrielle Mukiira, Lillian Joseph, and most recently Dashiell "Dash" Harden.