With the General Assembly session adjourned for the summer, Rep. John Fritchey took a break from reading legislative analyses and turned his attention to essays written by eighth graders from across the district. Now in its ninth year, the John Fritchey Youth Foundation sponsored its annual scholarship contest that asks students to write an essay explaining "What Government Means to Me."
"Reading the students' thoughtful perspectives on the political system is something I look forward to every year. I am proud to be able to sponsor a contest that allows these young adults to explore their ideas," said Rep. Fritchey. "I hope that engaging them in a dialogue about government now will encourage them to continue their civic participation in the future."
Fritchey presented certificates to all contest participants and monetary scholarship awards to the students with the top three essays during their graduation ceremonies. The winning essays were picked from over 200 entries submitted from grade schools throughout the district. This year, all three winning entrants were from the same school. First place was presented to Benjamin Garcia, pictured above; second place to Shauntavia Peace; and third place to Irais Cedeno, all from Burley School, 1630 W. Barry Ave. |
