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Six students from across the territory were named prize-winners in the recently concluded “One Person, One Vote” essay contest, part of the Elections System of the Virgin Islands’ (ESVI) Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The goal, according to ESVI, was to encourage young people to participate in the election process, develop a deeper appreciation for civic duty and learn more about the U.S. Virgin Islands' unique history in fighting for universal suffrage.
Students were required to write essays between 500 and 600 words on the topic, “What actions can you and your peers take to engage Virgin Islanders to actively participate in democracy to get involved in elections, raise the level of civic engagement of their peers and to register to vote”.
After being judged by a panel of journalists, essays by Ellis Wisehart and Zion Moorehead were selected as first place winners for the St. Thomas/St. John and St. Croix districts respectively. Each was awarded a $50 Amazon gift card and a $200 cash prize.
Widerline Jeune and Ace Poyah captured second place in their respective districts, and VeNiya Callwood and Jade Browne placed third. In addition to the gift card, second place winners were also awarded a $100 cash prize.
“We are pleased with the thoughtful essays that were submitted by the students and their interest in civic engagement in our community,” said Caroline Fawkes, the territory’s Supervisor of Elections. “Everyone, no matter the age, is affected by the outcome of each of our elections. Youth who learn about voting early on are quite likely to become informed voters as adults.”
Celebrations of ESVI’s 60th Jubilee anniversary continue, with among other activities, a one-hour television special “Marking Milestones” set to air on Saturday March 11 at 4:00 p.m. on WTJX-TV Channel 12.
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