House Republican Press Release

April 3, 2006

Press Office: 860-240-8700

Rep. Hovey Encourages Young Women to Enter $3,000 Scholarship Essay Contest

Ninth Annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest Topic is “Today’s Heroic American Woman”

College-bound female high school juniors and seniors in Connecticut should strongly consider entering the National Foundation for Women Legislators-National Rifle Association 9^th Annual Bill of Rights Essay Contest, state Representative DebraLee Hovey said today.

This year’s essay topic is entitled “Today’s Heroic American Woman.” Each of the contest’s seven winners will receive  a $3,000 college scholarship and an all-expenses-paid trip to the N. F. W. L.’ s Annual Conference (Nov. 16^th through Nov. 20^th) in Avon, Colorado, where they will network with, be monitored by and speak with hundreds of women lawmakers from across the United States, said Representative Hovey, R-112^th District.

“Members of the Class of 2006 and 2007 at Masuk and Newtown high schools who enter the contest will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of our country’s constitution and current issues, develop leadership skills and compete for a $3,000 college scholarship,” said Representative Hovey, an N. F. W. L. member.

“Dozens of American women have played important roles in the effort to ensure all Americans are protected by the Bill of Rights,” Representative Hovey said. “Young women who enter the contest will be able to share stories and legacies of modern champions of the Bill of Rights with women legislators from around the nation. It is a great opportunity for young women to win a scholarship – and make their voices heard on the meaning of the Bill of Rights.”

Essays must be received by the N. F. W. L. no later than Tuesday, August 15, 2006. An N. F. W. L. selection committee then will judge each essay and determine the seven winners. Factors of particular importance that will be considered by the judges include storytelling, understanding of the Bill of Rights, and original insight, Representative Hovey said.

The National Foundation for Women Legislators helps women legislators to be more effective. It provides women Members of Congress, state legislators, county commissioners and city councilors with strategic resources, including debates and issue briefings, leadership skill development and opportunities for networking, Representative Hovey said.

High school juniors and seniors interested in competing in the essay contest should call Representative Hovey at (860) 240-8700; contact the N. F. W. L. office at (202) 293-3040, Ext 1006; send e-mail inquiries to: scholarships@womenlegislators.org; or access the N. F. W. L. website (www.womenlegislators.org).