For Immediate Release: Thursday, October 25, 2018
Office of Councilmember Craig Rice
Col. Zadok Magruder High School student Chloe Appel named Councilmember for a Day
Councilmember Rice developed contest to provide students the opportunity to learn about local government, public policy and leadership
ROCKVILLE, Md., Oct. 25, 2018—Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice selected Chloe Appel from Col. Zadok Magruder High School in Derwood as the winner of his Councilmember for a Day challenge. Councilmember Rice, who chairs the Council’s Education Committee, developed the challenge as a way for young people to become more engaged in public policy issues, learn about local government and become more involved with the community. Councilmember Rice announced the winner at the Council’s Youth Town Hall reception at the Council Office Building on Oct. 24. Nine other finalists also were recognized at the reception.
This is the third consecutive year for the Councilmember for a Day challenge. Councilmember Rice asked middle and high school students to submit YouTube videos or written essays answering the following questions:
Ms. Appel’s winning entry was an essay focused on mental illness among high school students and her proposals for expanding mental health awareness and support services. Her essay can be viewed here.
“The quality of entries for the Councilmember for a Day challenge continue to get more thought provoking each year and provide valuable insights into what is important to our youth,” said Councilmember Rice. “I want our young people to know they are heard and valued and that their ideas and views matter very much.
Outreach for the contest was conducted through social media and in partnership with Montgomery County Public Schools. Ms. Appel will shadow Councilmember Rice for a full Council day on a date that will be determined soon.
In addition to the winner, Chloe Appel, nine other students were selected as finalists based on the quality and creativity of their entries. Alice Kahkajian, also from Magruder High School, came in at second place with an essay focused on expanding the Achieving Collegiate Excellence and Success (ACES) program to help close the opportunity gap. Kadijah Keita, from Northwood High School, came in at third place with an essay focused on expanding mental health services for students in Montgomery County Public Schools.
The other finalists were (in alphabetical order by last name):
A video clip from the reception for the Councilmember for a Day finalists can be viewed here.
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Release ID: 18-276