Four high school students from Plumas County have been recognized for their insightful essays on the future impact of artificial intelligence on daily life and the broader human experience. The essays, submitted as part of the League of Women Voters of Plumas County’s annual Nancy Lund Essay Contest, secured top honors for the young authors.
This year’s contest, open to students from ninth through twelfth grade across the county, attracted 28 entries. Kate Henson, a senior at Portola Junior-Senior High School, claimed the grand prize in the 11th- and 12th-grade category. Meanwhile, Makiah Jensen, a sophomore at Indian Valley Academy, won the grand prize for ninth- and tenth-graders.
Clare Churchill, representing the Plumas League chapter, awarded both students a $250 check at the Plumas County Board of Supervisors meeting on February 4.
Honorable mentions were awarded to Adria Black, a junior at Quincy Junior-Senior High School, and Olivia T. Carr, a sophomore at Portola High School. Both students received a $150 check for their efforts.
All four winners presented their essays to the Board of Supervisors, who listened with interest. The essay contest is just one of the initiatives by the League of Women Voters to encourage civic engagement and participation in democratic processes. The organization also hosts forums for local political candidates.
