A platform for the leaders of tomorrow

The future leaders of the next generation are speaking up about what they think about American democracy — and they aren’t even of age to vote yet.

The American Association of University Women’s North Shore Branch, the Central Nassau County Rotary Club and the Franklin Square and Elmont public libraries hosted an awards ceremony on Dec. 14 at the Elmont library, recognizing 10 students who participated in the “Democracy & Me” writing contest.

In an original essay, poem, speech or writing form of their choice, the four Elmont and six Franklin Square students were tasked with addressing the question of what democracy means to them. This included topics such as why it is important for everyone to vote, what would happen if their rights were taken away from them and what they can do to help the country’s democracy.

“I was so excited when the (AAUW) asked if we would be involved in this, so we can actually give a platform to our young people who are actually going to be our leaders,” Jean Simpson, Elmont library’s director, said. “We need them to tell us what democracy is to them.”

The AAUW North Shore Branch held its first-ever writing contest in 2016 at Shelter Rock library and due to its enormous success, the organization decided to make it an annual competition. This marked the fifth year of the creative writing contest after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Joan Glasner, contest organizer and member of the AAUW North Shore Branch, said the topics have always revolved around national and global current events. For example, 2016 was the year of the woman and students had to decide what woman they believed should be on the $20 bill. In preparation for their written entry, the participants had to research and learn about notable women in American history.

“They’ve always been educational,” Glasner said. “It was all a learning experience.”

She added that this year — with midterm elections, voting, representation in Congress and several countries fighting for freedom around the world — the organization said it was necessary to raise awareness of democracy among the youth.

The Franklin Square library produced flyers to promote the event, helped order the book, called “Civics: Democracy Rules,” to give to the kids and offered writing assistance if needed. Bill Youngfert of the Nassau County Rotary Club financially contributed to the contest by rewarding additional checks to all the participants.

Emily Ravello won first place for her poem that touched on the importance of voting for a leader and taking part in elections. Luke Giancarlo won second place for his essay, in which he discussed how democracy allows him to go to school, play with his friends and speak his mind. Mia Williams also won a first place award for her poem about how democracy means power to the people and collective voices stop corruption.

Isabella Estevez, 12, received a certificate of excellence for her poem that sheds light on how democracy is not the same as it used to be. At a young age, she said, she already understands how certain laws are being broken. She said the writing contest is giving her a chance to share her thoughts, and she plans on saving her check for college.

“I absolutely love this, I think I want to do it again next year,” she said. “I’m really honored.”