Southbridge Middle School eighth grade student, Julianis Zayas-Rivera, earned first place in this year’s Worcester County Bar Association (WCBA) Law Day annual essay contest.
The Law Day essay contest, one of the many community programs organized by the WCBA, provides a unique platform for eighth-grade students to express their opinions on important issues in our government. This year's prompt asked “In your opinion, are there voices that are missing in our current democracy?”
Out of over 100 submitted pieces of writing, Julianis Zayas Rivera wrote the winning essay about increasing the voices in our democracy. Her piece focused on how the U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, should have access to representation in our government. Her essay argued that “the eleven inhabited U.S. territories should be allowed the right to vote for presidency, be able to vote for and have congressional representation, and experience equal treatment in all federal programs.”
Julianis, her teacher, and her parents were invited to a reception hosted by the WCBA where Worcester City Manager, Eric Batista, quoted her words in his address.
Julianis was awarded a plaque and a $250 prize at the annual Law Day ceremony at the reception.