Rep. Bud Cook congratulated Nicole Diana Barrera, a senior at Mapletown High School, on Mar. 19 for receiving an honorable mention in a statewide essay contest focused on student involvement in government.
The recognition was part of the Can We Talk? student dialogue initiative, which is run by the Committee of Seventy. The contest asked students to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and evaluate how its founding ideals are being upheld today.
“We’re proud of Nicole for demonstrating the kind of thoughtful government engagement we hope to inspire in all students,” Cook said. “Being able to write about it in a way that shows real critical thinking and understanding is something of which she should be proud.”
Cook also highlighted his ongoing efforts to encourage civic participation among young people through his Student Advisors initiative, noting that Southeastern Greene School District, where Barrera studies, participates in this program. “Students are our future,” Cook said. “We need to have more young people thinking about how their communities work and how they can contribute in meaningful ways.” He reminded residents that his Student Advisor’s presentation will take place Thursday, May 14 at PennWest University at 6 p.m., featuring students sharing insights about their school districts.
Cook leads the ‘Come Home, Go Big and Have a Ball’ initiative aimed at attracting residents to the southwest region, according to the official website. He serves as Republican secretary to the Agriculture Committee and chairs the Republican Subcommittee on Marketing within the Tourism Committee according to the official website. Cook represents Greene and Washington counties according to the official website.
He also serves on several legislative committees including Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Environmental Resources and Energy, and Tourism and Economic and Recreational Development according to the official website. Cook holds office as Pennsylvania State Representative for the 50th Legislative District according to the official website, and operates as a self-employed business owner with over three decades of experience in job creation according to the official website.
