Contact: Jenni Brockman
Telephone: 804-443-3357
Fax: 804-443-6781

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SMS Student Wins Local, Regional Speech Honors

Tappahannock, VA (February 11, 2001) -- Ann Melchionna, a senior at St. Margaret's School, has earned area and district-level awards in the "Voice of Democracy" speech contest sponsored by Northern Neck Post 7167 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Warsaw. More than 2,000 students statewide participated in this year's contest through their local posts.

Ann Melchionna, a senior at St. Margaret's School, won local and regional honors in the VFW's "Voice of Democracy" speech contest.

It was a great experience," she said. "One of the best things about St. Margaret's is how our teachers encourage us to stretch ourselves and see what we really can accomplish."

A boarding student from Roanoke, Melchionna placed first in the area and fourth in the district. She wrote and recorded a speech titled "At What Price Freedom?" in which she recognized the contributions of World War II veterans. Citizens can best honor the "greatest generation," Melchionna said, by being active members of their communities and participants in the democratic process.

Melchionna heard about the contest from history teacher Louise Velletri. She and other SMS faculty members regularly alert students to external opportunities for academic recognition, and give girls the support they need to take intellectual risks.

"Participation in competitions like the 'Voice of Democracy' sharpens students' ability to think critically and express their views clearly," Velletri said. "When they win, it gives them a little extra money for college, too."

Melchionna has attended St. Margaret's for two years. She has been accepted early decision to Roanoke College.

---