Junior Amelia Hill a finalist in Bernie Sanders’ essay contest

Congratulations to Amelia Hill, one of this year's 14 finalists in Senator Bernie Sanders 16th Annual State of the Union Essay Contest. 

"I assigned the project to about 55 students in AP Government & Politics,” wrote Steve Smith, social studies teacher. “We brainstormed what students considered the most pressing issues in the United States, and then they chose topics, which included Artificial Intelligence data centers and the environment, a lack of civility in government, and immigration and Immigrations Customs and Enforcement (ICE). The most common topic was affordability as it relates to health, housing, and food. The parameters of the project were that students needed to connect the issue to a government concept and include evidence. I'm pleased Amelia chose a topic - access to menstrual health products - that is not typically discussed in the national media, and she deserves credit for pursuing the issue and choosing to submit it to the contest."

Amelia joined other finalists from around Vermont for a virtual conversation with Senator Sanders at the State House in Montpelier. Learn more: ‘These Young Vermonters Bring Me Hope’

Students received a framed copy of their essays, which was placed in the Congressional Record — the official archive of the United States Congress.

Read the essays of the winners and finalists here.

Pictured above: Photo of the 14 finalists from the 16th Annual State of the Union Essay Contest. Photo compliments of Senator Bernie Sanders Office.