Vermont Secretary of State Deb Markowitz

Montpelier. Today, Secretary of State Deb Markowitz honored the winners of the 2008 Vermont Secretary of State’s Poster and Essay Contest by treating them to a rare viewing of the original Vermont Constitution.

In addition to being granted an up-close look at this historic document, the contest winners and their classes were Secretary Markowitz’s guests on a tour of the Vermont State House and the Vermont Historical Society. During an award ceremony, the winning students were presented with a certificate and a $100 prize donated to each student's classroom to spend on civics education materials.

"It was very difficult to select winners from the many fine essays and creative posters we received," stated Secretary Markowitz. "This program is a great way to get younger students thinking about their state and its history, while encouraging older students to examine the nature of self governance and its importance in a free society," said Markowitz.

The Vermont Secretary of State’s Poster and Essay Contest is held as an effort to promote awareness of Vermont history, the Vermont Constitution, and the importance of democracy among students in Grades K-12. Over 400 Vermont students participated in the contest by submitting posters or essays.

The winning posters and essays may be viewed on the Secretary of State’s Kids Page website at www.sec.state.vt.us

The award recipients in each of the categories are as follows:

Grades K-2: Vermont Symbols Poster

Winner: Tom Young’s Waitsfield Elementary School Grade 2 class of pointillism pieces, including five outstanding entries.
Individual Honorable Mention: Kacey Thompson’s Sugar Maple, Brad Bender’s Grade 2 Rutland Northeast School.
Individual Honorable Mention: Enrique Rodriguez’s Hermit Thrush, Mrs. Mille’s Art class, St. Johnsbury School.
Individual Honorable Mention: Lauren Allen’s Vermont Symbol Scene, Mrs. Plante’s Kindergarten class, Barre Town Elementary.

Grades 3-5: Vermont History Poster

Winner: Allison Babbitt’s Horatio’s Drive, Ms. Senning’s Grade 3 class, Underhill Central School.
Class Honorable Mention: Mrs. Martin’s Grade 5 class, Gilman Middle School.
Individual Honorable Mention: Juliet Walsh’s Coach Barn, Mrs. Davenport’s Grade 5 class, Shelburne Community School.
Individual Honorable Mention: Claire Armstrong’s Vermont and the Civil War, Mrs. Giles Grade 4 class, Cornwall Elementary.

Grades 6-8: Vermont Constitution – Vermont Voters Oath Essay

Winner: Erin Connor, Ms. Fox’s Grade 7 class, St. Mary’s School.
Honorable Mention: Will Adkisson, Mrs. Babbitt’s Grade 7 class, Brown’s River Middle School.

Grade 9-12: Vermont Constitution – Voter Disenfranchisement Essay

Winner: Brooke Connor, Mr. Mooney’s Grade 10 class, Middlebury High School.

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