PRESS RELEASE

Contact Janel Johnson: 802-828-1296                For Immediate Release: May 27, 2005

This press release is available digitally at http://www.sec.state.vt.us

Montpelier.  Vermont High School Voter Registration Week, sponsored by the Secretary of State's office, will be held the week of May 30 - June 3.  This is an opportunity for high school seniors to register to vote in their schools with the assistance of school staff and town clerks. 

Secretary of State Markowitz says:  "Although this is an 'off' election year, students will still find it more difficult to register next year while away at college, the military, or while working.  We know from experience that Vermont's young people are more likely to vote if they register before they leave high school.  We hope many students take advantage of this chance to be registered and ready for the next election."

For more information about this program contact Janel Johnson at 802-828-1296 or visit the Secretary of State's website at http://www.govotevermont.com.

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PRESS RELEASE

Contact:   Kathryn Mathieson                                             For Immediate Release

                       (802) 828-2148                                                            May 16, 2005

2005 Poster and Essay Contest Winners Honored

Winners Treated to Rare Viewing of the Vermont Constitution

Montpelier. Secretary of State Deb Markowitz today honored the winners of the 2005 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 the constitution, the contest winners and their classes were Secretary Markowitz’s guest on a tour of the Vermont Statehouse and the Vermont Historical Society. Winning students were presented with an award along with a $100 savings bond.

"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 2005 Vermont Secretary of State’s Poster and Essay Contest is held in an effort to promote awareness of Vermont history, the Vermont Constitution, and the importance of voting to democracy among students in Grades K-12.  Over 250 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, /kids/contest/2005/2005_winners.htm

The winners in each of the categories are as follows:

Grades K-2:  Official Vermont Symbols Poster Contest

Winners: Rachel Enzor and Maricate Mangan, Northeast Primary School, Rutland

Honorable Mentions:  

Rosemarie Clauson, Chamberlin Elementary School, South Burlington

Camille Spafford, Home School, Rutlamd

Grades 3-5:  Vermont History Poster Contest

Winner: Walter Weaver, Home School, Northhfield

Honorable Mentions:

Victoria Biller, Maple Street School, Manchester

Dylan McFarlane, Maple Street School, Manchester

Class Honorable Mention: Helen Martin’s Class, Gilman middle school, Gilman

Grades 6-8 Essay Contest

Winner: Marty Cain, Home School, Marlboro

Honorable Mentions:

Mathieu Morissette, Home School, St. Albans

Samantha Grise, Mater Christi School, Burlington

 

Grades 9-12 Essay Contest

Winner: Ben Brewster, Mount St. Joseph Academy, Rutland

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