Rebecca Turner Academy Junior's Essay Touches Hearts, Wins Scholarship

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A local high school junior has been recognized for creating a heartfelt civics lesson that impressed the judges and inspired her peers.

From the Mount Vernon City School District.

Alicia Barton, an 11th grade student at Rebecca Turner Academy, is receiving a $500 scholarship from the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 596. She won the Voices of Democracy Essay Contest and will be honored at the VFW Scholarship Banquet on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the VFW Post in Mount Vernon.

Barton was recognized for her achievement and read her essay at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, March 19. She wrote about the continuous process of democracy and its basis on the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people.

She also wrote about the pillars of democracy that keep it strong, such as the rule of law and the peaceful transition of power. She explained that there are still ways that we can strengthen our democracy, which is never perfect.

"I want to thank my Principal Mr. [Troy] Newbey, my teacher Ms. [Sheba] Serna, Mr. [Ralph] Burts, my parents and many others for their support and for encouraging me,” said Barton.