Washington, DC - Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) has announced that a winner has been chosen in his Black History Month Essay Contest.  Congressman Barrow received hundreds of worthy submissions, but James Dee, a 9th grade student at A.R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet School in Augusta, submitted the winning essay. 

The essay contest was open to high school students in Georgia's 12th District.  Students were free to submit essays on a topic or their own choosing or could respond to the following question: "President Barack Obama has made history as the first African American to serve as President of the United States. He has challenged all Americans to take an active role in changing the course of American history. What will you do to be an active part of positive change in America and your community?"

"James's essay was inspiring and moving," said Barrow.  "Change in this country is going to take place at the community level, and it's young people like James who are going to make it happen."

James Dee will receive a day trip to Washington, D.C., to take a tour of the Capitol, and have lunch with Congressman Barrow and his picture taken on the Capitol steps.  He will also be featured in the Barrow Bulletin, and his essay will be published on Congressman Barrow's official congressional website.

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Contact:  Jane Brodsky, (202) 225-2823

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