HENRICO CITIZEN STAFF

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today invited high school students from Virginia’s Seventh District to participate in an essay contest, through which the winner will travel to Washington, D.C. to spend a day with Spanberger on Capitol Hill.

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy, Spanberger’s office has launched an essay contest encouraging students to write a 500- word essay on the following question:

“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others?’ In response to his statement and as a member of your own community, what does civic engagement mean to you?”

Essays should be submitted to Spanberger’s office by Monday, Feb. 4, at 5 p.m. The winner will be announced on Spanberger’s official Facebook and Twitter accounts Feb. 15. After the announcement, the winner will be invited to spend a day in Washington, D.C. to experience a firsthand view of the workings of Congress

To submit an essay, visit spanberger.house.gov/sotuessaycontest.

“This essay will give the exceptional students of Central Virginia the opportunity to define what it means to be involved in their communities and to contribute to the lives of those around them,” said Spanberger. “I’m excited to provide a platform for young people to participate in our national conversations, because we are never too young to think about how we can productively engage with our local, state, and national neighbors and community organizations.”