Strong Men & Women in Virginia History Student Contest

Junior, Tucker High School

My speech addresses the 2026 Strong Men & Women in Virginia History prompt by connecting the founding promises of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness to the modern challenge of mental health. I chose to focus on Lawrence Anderson Davies, a past honoree whose leadership as Fredericksburg's first African American mayor and his strong advocacy for mental health access directly exemplifies individual freedom. In the letter, I explain how Reverend Davies understood that freedom extends beyond political rights, it must include access to care. His efforts are used to ensure all aspects were taken care of and the citizens would see a model of what it truly means to be free. I then connect his legacy to the present day by highlighting the mental health struggles many students face, including anxiety, depression, and stigma. By describing my own student-led mental health initiative in local schools, I show how I am working to continue Davies’s mission through emotional literacy workshops, open discussions, and peer support. The speech ultimately argues that the promise of America cannot be fulfilled until every individual, regardless of background, has the opportunity to experience mental peace and the support needed to thrive. By linking past leadership with present action, the project demonstrates how I strive to uphold the ideals of freedom, equality, and the pursuit of happiness for all.

Sophomore, Westfield High School

My video focuses on why discussion and education are crucial to protecting the promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for all citizens. I was inspired especially by Penny J. Franklin, a 2020 honoree, for her Discussion on Race and passionate advocacy for the African American community, and I connect her admirable work with my current activities, working towards the same mission. I hope that this video would be one step closer to bringing more awareness to the fight for equality and rights for all.

Junior, Appomattox Regional Governor’s School

The most important battles are not fought with guns, but with words. The rights promised to American citizens almost 250 years ago are just that—words; however, they are the most powerful words we have today. Strong Men and Women in Virginia History honoree Ms. Virginia Young Lee understood the power of words. In building a collection of Black history and literature and continuing to maintain it, despite threats to her job, Ms. Lee devoted herself to ensuring these rights maintained power. As a poet, I, too, believe that words are the most powerful tool we have to realize the promise of our unalienable rights. This is why I chose to adapt a style of poetry called a cento. In this form, a poet takes lines from other works and arranges them in a new and interesting way. My version of this style only includes a few borrowed lines, but I wanted to feature poets and musicians whose words Ms. Lee tried to protect. I particularly focused on Langston Hughes, a poet featured in her collection and one whom I greatly admire. Change happens when powerful words join with action to protect our unalienable rights. In maintaining this secret collection and making sure others could read these words, Ms. Lee showed Virginia and the country that all members of our American community deserve the promise of these rights. Through this project, I hope to continue to bring these words out of the basement and share their power throughout the country.

Junior, Maggie Walker Governor’s School

My digital project, “Stepping Stones to Innovation: Honoring Dr. Gladys West,” is a multi-page website designed to address the contest prompt by illustrating how Dr. West’s life embodies the enduring promise of the Declaration of Independence. As the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration, this project reflects on how her groundbreaking contributions to GPS technology have advanced the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness by expanding mobility, safety, and opportunity for millions across the globe. The Home Page establishes a thematic connection between America’s founding principles and Dr. West’s impact on modern society. A “Quotation & Introduction” page highlights her values of discipline, equity, and education, setting a reflective tone for the website. The “About” section presents a narrative of her journey from rural Virginia to becoming a pioneering mathematician at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, emphasizing her resilience and brilliance in the face of systemic barriers. The “Legacy & The Promise” section connects her technological achievements to the broader civic ideals of freedom and equality, demonstrating how her work transformed navigation into a universal public good. The “Personal Inspiration” page explains how her example guides my own commitments to STEM education, youth advocacy, and community leadership, showing how young people today can help carry the nation’s founding promises forward. The project concludes with a message honoring Dr. West’s lifelong dedication to learning and public service. Together, this website demonstrates how innovation, when grounded in equity and purpose, can move our nation closer to fulfilling its foundational ideals for all citizens.