Dear Fellow Vermonter,
For the last 12 years, I have held an essay contest to hear directly from young Vermonters.
Today, more than 5,300 high school students from across the state have asked themselves this same question: What would I say if I were the President of the United States delivering the “State of the Union” address? And every year, I receive thoughtful responses from young people that cover critically important issues, from climate change and racial justice to access to mental health care, immigration reform, and much, much more.
Simply put, the future of our country rests with young people. Which is why it is so important that they engage in the political process — and that we listen to them.
Now, the deadline for the 13th annual State of the Union Essay Contest is fast approaching. I hope all Vermont high school students, no matter where they stand on the issues, will make their voices heard by submitting an essay at the link below by Tuesday, January 10th. If you know a student who may be interested in participating, please share the link! You can read the essays of the 2022 finalists here, and watch the roundtable discussion I held with the finalists at the State House here.
Submit an essay HERE!
![SOTU-Buzz_Thumbnail-2023.png Image](https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenSanders/SOTU-Buzz_Thumbnail-2023.png)
It’s a new year and a new Congress. We have a lot of work to do. I very much look forward to reading this year’s essays and hearing the thoughts and ideas of our young people about how we move forward as a country.
Sincerely,
![Bernie_signature_image.jpg Image](https://outreach.senate.gov/iqextranet/Customers/SenSanders/Bernie_signature_image.jpg)
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