Michael Sessions,18, was sworn in as mayor and officially has the weight of the town on his shoulders.

Sessions, a high school senior, became the city's youngest mayor when he took the oath of office on Monday.

Sessions says, the first couple of days are going to be rough, I think, on me. I've just got to get acquainted with the job. My confidence is gaining a lot each day."

A belief that local officials are disappointed with his election and fearful that an 18-year-old mayor will be incapable of handling the job has rallied town and national support behind Mayor Sessions.

Sessions beat former Mayor Doug Ingles, 51, by two votes in the Nov. 8 election despite Sessions' status as a write-in candidate.