It was a chance of a lifetime for one little girl Thursday, as she followed the footsteps of Williamstown Mayor Jean Ford.

Eight-year old Ivy Linger is one of 15 winners of the "When I Grow Up" essay contest.

More than 1100 elementary students entered the first statewide contest, answering the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

She wants to become mayor just like her grandpa, Walter Schoolcraft, who was mayor of Cairo, WV.

So Thursday, Ivy and Mayor Ford visited Hino officials at Williamstown Elementary, Chief of Police Bill Adkins, and officials at the water plant.

"Good thing they're there (at the water plant) cause I'd have to do it if I was the mayor," said Linger, who's in second grade at Williamstown Elementary.

"Well you get to ride in parades and you have to be elected, and you have to go to a good school and get a good education."

Mayor Ford said "I honestly believe that someday she will probably be maybe in a greater position than being mayor."

Linger also won a $500 scholarship plus $500 more for Williamstown Elementary.