News Release
For Immediate Release
July 13, 2023
Contact
Gina Patterson, executive director
434-295-8722 or gina@vsba.org
Third Annual VSBA Student Essay Contest Winners Announced
Winners Recognized at the VSBA Conference on Education
July 13, 2023 – Two students received recognition for their submissions to the Virginia School Boards Association (VSBA) Third Annual Student Essay Contest. The two finalists were recognized at the VSBA Conference on Education, which took place earlier today. This was the third year the contest was held, and the theme of the 2023 contest was “The Meaning of Civility”. This year, the top two finalists each received a $500 scholarship.
Isabella Meadows, a rising sophomore at Smithfield High School in Isle of Wight County Public Schools and Alice Thompson, a rising sophomore at Monticello High School in Albemarle County Public Schools, were selected by a panel of judges who were presented with the written essay as well as a recorded speech.
- To view Isabella’s winning speech, please visit: https://youtu.be/w_M7IaSkD-w
- To view Alice’s winning speech, please visit: https://youtu.be/htEonT2potM
“This contest provides a wonderful opportunity for school board members from across the state to hear student voices on subjects of importance to them,” said executive director Gina Patterson.
As award recipients, Meadows and Thompson received a special invitation to attend the Conference on Education and delivered their speeches to the audience of Virginia school board members, superintendents, and school division staff.
About the Virginia School Boards Association
The Virginia School Boards Association, a voluntary, nonpartisan organization of Virginia
school boards, promotes excellence in public education through advocacy, training, and
services. The Association offers conferences, information, training, and counseling designed to
meet the needs of the Commonwealth’s educational leaders.
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