(Alexandria, VA) – Representative Sandra Masin and the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) were pleased to award Margaret Kleiman with a $3,000 college scholarship at the 2017 NFWL Annual Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Ms. Kleiman was selected as one of six national winners of the 20th Annual Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest.
Minnesota State Representative Sandra Masin served as the mentoring legislator for Margaret Kleiman and presented the award to Ms. Kleiman at a special lunch on Friday, November 17 during the Annual Conference.
“It has been an honor for me to watch Margaret’s hard work as a student of our state and history be rewarded,” said Representative Masin, “Her heart for service and desire to share her talents make her a great leader, and that was very evident when she shared her prize-winning essay at the Capitol Grand Re-opening last summer. I know Minnesota will continue to see great things from her.”
Margaret Kleiman is a senior at Hutchinson High School in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She plays five instruments and knows the lyrics to songs from seven decades. She currently serves as the Finance Director of the Student Senate where she promotes fiscal responsibility and serves as a voice for all students. Margaret enjoys volunteering in her community and has been active in the American Legion Auxiliary since she was seven. This summer she attended Minnesota Girls State, enjoying her first taste of life in politics.
Applicants were given four prompt options, all of which examined timely current events. The essay topics asked students to further analyze the role of women in American politics, which led to a diverse array of responses from the record-breaking number of students who applied for the scholarship. A selection committee judged each essay based upon the student’s understanding of the U.S. Constitution, historical research, insight, perspective, inspirational quality, and meaningful personal connection.
