DeLauro Meets with Connecticut Winner of National Peace Essay Contest

Washington, DC— Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) met today with Sarah Melville, a Beacon Falls resident, who won first place in the state-level competition of the 23rd annual National Peace Essay Contest, which is sponsored by the United States Institute of Peace.

The United States Institute of Peace is an independent, nonpartisan nonprofit established and funded by Congress with the goal of raising the nation's ability to respond to international conflicts without violence. By combining research and practice, the Institute's work around the world enables them to provide pertinent analysis, reports, and training. One of the Institute's signature programs, the National Peace Essay Contest seeks to promote interest in conflict resolution amongst students and teachers across the country.

As a state-level winner of the essay contest, Melville was in Washington, DC to attend a special week-long educational program on understanding conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and what citizens can do to have an impact on peacemaking throughout the world. Melville's essay, "Pictures of Stolen Children" focused on examining when nonviolent civic actions are most likely to achieve justice, end conflict, or lead to positive political and social change. Melville was also awarded a $1,000 academic scholarship, and will be a national finalist in the essay contest.

A senior at Woodland Regional High School, Melville will be attending the United States Military Academy at West Point this fall. She is a high honors student and National Honors Society member, and has received academic awards in Humanities, Spanish, Mathematics, Choral Music, and Journalism. Melville is active in the student body, serving as the Student Affairs Committee chair, the Internal Affairs Committee chair, and Chief Justice of the Woodland Regional Student Council's Judicial Branch. She is an accomplished athlete as well, competing on school's Cross Country team, and being recognized as one of the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference Scholar Athletes of the year for Woodland High School. Congresswoman DeLauro nominated Melville to West Point earlier this year.

"I congratulate Sarah on her achievements, not only in winning the state-wide competition in the National Peace Essay Contest, but also for her stellar academic work and her admission to West Point. Sarah's clear sense of commitment to her community and her country are evident in her essay and her life's path as she continues forward. I knew from reading her service academy nomination application that Sarah was a very special individual, and her success in this essay contest does not surprise me," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "I wish her the best of luck in the national essay competition, and as she enrolls in West Point this fall. I am certain that her combination of academic excellence, strong moral character, and clearly demonstrated dedication to making our world a better place, will ensure her future success."