FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday, March 26, 2007

State Representative Addia Wuchner Announces Winners of Annual "There Ought to Be a Law" Contest

Frankfort , KY - Today State Representative Addia Wuchner (R-Burlington) announced the winners of her Second Annual "There Ought to Be a Law" contest. The winners were recognized by the House of Representatives and presented with a Legislative Citation.

“I commend all the young citizens that participated for demonstrating an interest in public policy and the legislative process,” said Representative Wuchner.

Elementary and Middle School students submitted their suggestions in essay form. The essay had to be well documented, and the students were required to defend their issue and thoroughly explain their view. This year Representative Wuchner received more than 200 essay entries.

The essays go through a long process before a winner is selected. Students are required to submit their essays along with an entry application. Names are removed before judging, and the essays are number coded to ensure no student's name is revealed. Three impartial judges and Representative Wuchner read the entries from each school and rank the essays. Representative Wuchner is then given the top ranked essays from each school to review again for the final selection of the winning essay. Student's names are not revealed until after the winning entries are selected.

"We don't judge the essays just based on the subject matter. They must be well documented, demonstrate research on the merits of their proposal, present a persuasive argument and be able to defend their position," said Representative Wuchner. "The essay contest provides valuable experience to students, offering them the opportunity to thoughtfully propose an idea for a bill and encourages engagement in civic discussion.”

There were so many entries dealing with smoking and health related concerns regarding smoking that a new category, "Public Health", was created for this year's contest. Two winners were selected from the Public Health special category, and two essays were selected as Overall Winners.

"I am very impressed with the level of thought, originality, hard work, and due diligence these students put forth," said Representative Wuchner. "Their parents and schools should be very proud of the entries the students submitted."

Representative Wuchner's 2007 Annual "There Ought to Be A Law” Winners

•  Jennifer Evans, 10 years old , Yealey Elementary -

"Chewing Gum in Class"

•  Conrad Fisher, 10 years old , Yealey Elementary -

"Banning Cell Phone Use While Driving if Under Age 18"

2007 Public Health Special Category Winners:

•  Kayne Westhoff, 10 years old, Yearly Elementary -

"No Smoking in Restaurants"

•  Toni Strange, 13 years old, Jones Middle School -

"Ban Smoking in Public Areas"