Isabella Meadows, a rising sophomore at Smithfield High School, was one of two students statewide recognized as finalists in the Virginia School Boards Association’s third annual Student Essay Contest. 

She was recognized at last week’s VSBA Conference on Education, where she received a $500 scholarship. 

The theme of the essay contest was “The Meaning of Civility.

Meadows and Alice Thompson, a rising sophomore at Monticello High School in Albemarle County Public Schools, were selected by a panel of judges who were presented with the written essay as well as a recorded speech.

To view Meadows’ winning speech, visit: https://youtu.be/w_M7IaSkD-w

“This contest provides a wonderful opportunity for school board members from across the state to hear student voices on subjects of importance to them,” said VSBA Executive Director Gina Patterson.

Meadows and Thompson delivered their speeches to the audience of Virginia school board members, superintendents and school division staff at the Conference on Education.