State Sen. Blake Tillery (R – Vidalia) recently announced his second Youth Legislator Scholarship Contest kicked-off last month. The scholarship is awarded biennially to three middle or high school students who are residents of Senate District 19. Winners are chosen based on their essay on one of two prompts given by Sen. Tillery. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 9.
“This scholarship contest is a testament to the bright, tenacious and creative minds we have in our area and I am so excited to be able to hold this scholarship contest again,” said Sen. Tillery. “Many students find it hard to be involved in policy and legislation when they are not yet old enough to vote, but the happenings in our State Capitol effect youth just as much as they do adults. Their input is an invaluable resource for helping our area grow and prosper for generations to come. I look forward to hearing these ideas and hope to be able to put them into legislation during the 2019 Legislative Session.”
The scholarship will be awarded to three students through a first place prize of $250, a second place prize of $150 and a third place prize of $100. The submission must meet the deadline of Nov. 9, be no longer than three pages (typed and double spaced) and must answer one of two questions given by Sen. Tillery. This year’s prompts ask students to either (1) identify which Georgia law or regulation is most outdated and needs repeal or (2) give tangible examples of steps the state could take to encourage young individuals to build a life and career in rural Georgia. The winners will be announced on Dec. 3.
An additional $150 will be given to the teacher of the first prize winner for classroom supplies.
In 2017, Briley Braddy from Montgomery County won the scholarship program through her essay explaining why those who owe public funds to the government should not be able to hold public office. Her idea was turned into legislation in the form of Senate Bill 258. The legislation passed the Senate and House during the 2017 legislative session and Briley was able to stand by Gov. Nathan Deal as he signed her idea into law on May 8, 2017.
For additional details on the scholarship requirements, as well as the application, see Sen. Tillery’s website at www.blaketillery.com/youthscholarshipcontest/ or call Mandy Britt at 912-537-3030.
State Sen. Tillery represents the 19th Senate District, which includes Appling, Jeff Davis, Long, Montgomery, Telfair, Toombs, Treutlen, Wayne, and Wheeler counties and a portion of Liberty and Tattnall counties. He can be reached by email at blake.tillery@senate.ga.gov