Moulton takes first overall in RWOYA Essay Contest

The Republican Women of the Yoakum Area announced the winners of the 15th Annual Constitution Essay Contest Ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the Yoakum Community Center.

The winners were chosen from high school seniors of home schools, public, and private schools in Lavaca, DeWitt, and Gonzales counties. There were 177 essays submitted. President Vickie Vickers introduced Education Committee Chair Jackie McNerney to announce this year’s contest winners.

Coming from Moulton High School were first-place winner, Moises Manzano for $1,300 cash prize, Zachary Sturm, third place for $600, and winning Moulton government teacher Cody Broussard, who received $300. Other winners were Kaylie Ramirez, second place for $800, and Mariela Grifaldo, fourth place for $400, both from Gonzales High School.

The essay question for the contest this year was regarding the 10th Amendment; “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” Students wrote a two-to-three page essay double spaced which was not identified by name or school name. The essays were judged by six judges on content of ideas, and organization of thought.

Guest speaker Mr. Daniel Miller, past candidate for Texas lieutenant governor and president of the Texas National Movement, congratulated all contest winners. Mr. Miller’s presentation focused on federalism, sovereignty of the states, and the importance of local self-government.

Students were served a lunch of barbecue sandwiches prepared by Shiner Spoetzl Bar-B-Q.

RWOYA is a Republican women’s organization with men as associate members from Lavaca, Gonzales, and DeWitt counties. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Yoakum Community Center, Yoakum. Lunch is served with freewill donation appreciated. Program speakers focus on political topics. The RWOYA mission is to educate voters and support Republican candidates.

Visitors are encouraged and welcome.