Neal Martin and Katrina Schmidt award Sonyia Williams, right, first place in the 2018 Essay Contest hosted by the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County. Brooklyn Scott and Shena Han were runners-up. Courtesy photoLAHS News:
Three Los Alamos High School students were recognized recently by the Democratic Party of Los Alamos County in its 2018 essay contest.
The essay contest asked participants to identify and advocate for new ways in which the local government and political parties could better incorporate the views of young people.
LAHS student Sonyia Williams won first-prize with her essay that explored ways to establish consistent channels of communications between local party officials and young people, including designating an official youth liaison. Judges scored William’s essay high because she offered several concrete and practical suggestions that could be promptly implemented by local political parties.
Williams earned top honors and was awarded $250 for her essay. LAHS student Brooklyn Scott was awarded 1st runner-up for her essay, which discussed how technology could make the system more transparent and participatory. LAHS student Shena Han was awarded 2nd runner-up for her essay, which discussed the barriers youth face and advocated for reforms in the education system. Both Han and Scott were awarded $20 gift certificates from Rose Chocolatier.
“This year we selected a challenging topic because we wanted to showcase the quality of youth leadership in our community,” Essay Contest Coordinator, Neal Martin said. “We didn’t just ask students to share an opinion that they hold. We asked the youth in our county to think structurally about the factors that underlie the disempowerment of youth in our community and to design reforms that would be practical to implement on a local level. I’m proud to say that we had many people who rose to the challenge. All the participants deserve our acknowledgement and appreciation.”
Williams was invited to publicly advocate for her ideas at an award ceremony recognizing essay contest participants that took place during the Democratic Party’s annual concert Thursday, Oct. 25.
“The winner had some great ideas,” said Tyler Taylor, a retired doctor who lives in Los Alamos County. “I hope we take her suggestions seriously.”
Local Democratic Party Chair Robyn Schultz said she was impressed by the quality of youth leadership in this community and grateful that so many busy students participated in this year’s contest.
“We have smart young people in Los Alamos who care deeply about our community,” Schultz said. “I encourage all of them come out to vote by Nov. 6.”
