Coginchaug's Jessica Solomon Wins First Place in Statewide Essay Contest

Coginchaug student Jessica Solomon will be honored at the Capitol Wednesday.

The senior earned first place in a statewide essay contest sponsored by the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women, a group that works on behalf of women's rights.

"It is an honor to be recognized by the Young Women's Leadership Program," Solomon said. "There are many issues facing young women today and it is encouraging that this organization is drawing attention to them."

Solomon has been invited to participate in the commission's Women's Day at the Capitol, an event that includes remarks from state legislators and keynote speaker speaker Marcia Gillespie, former editor-in-chief of Essence and Ms. magazines.

In her essay, she calls for women to restore "loyalty, trust, and respect" for one another. 

"When I think of feminism, I think of an unspoken sisterhood, linked together by the sole purpose of being a woman. Being strong. Being powerful," she writes. (Full essay is attached)

Kristen Hinz from New Milford High School won second place in the Young Women’s Leadership Program’s essay contest, which is open to seniors from Connecticut.

In 2011, Coginchaug seniors Hannah Fowler and Emily Spence earned first and second place honors in the essay contest.