Nearly 3,000 students ages 7 to 17 expressed themselves creatively by writing an essay entitled: “If I were president…” The event was planned in connection with the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The goal was to break a standing world record of 1,178 simultaneous student essays established in Beijing, China on September 6, 2013.

City Representative Sheila Hess presented a mayoral document acknowledging event partner, Mighty Writers and their literacy achievements in the youth community.  The essays will be shared on a Mighty Writers’ You Tube series.  Mighty Writers organizers hope that this event will shed light on the value of literacy and the importance of developing strong writing skills.  Mighty Writers, a Philadelphia non-profit, includes writers, journalists and teachers on a mission to help kids learn how to think and write with clarity.

Check out photos from the record-setting event here.