EDC Awards $1000 Scholarship to Lemon Bay Senior Eva Gressley, Essay Contest Winner

May 5, 2025: What role can young people play in shaping our democracy? Do local teenagers have any ideas about that? The Englewood Democratic Club posed these questions to graduating seniors at Lemon Bay High School and has given its third annual “Living Democracy Award” to Eva Gressley, an honor student and champion Mantas cheerleader for her essay on “The Responsibility of Young Americans.”

The non-partisan essay contest comes with a $1,000 scholarship to the winner’s chosen college, technical or vocational school. In Eva Gressley’s case that will be Florida State with the ambitious goal of a career in biomedical engineering.

“Blind loyalty to political parties is dangerous,” she argues. “Democracy thrives on debate, critical thinking, and accountability. Young people must reject the idea that their chosen party or leaders are infallible. Instead of being loyal to a party, we must be loyal to principles: justice, equality, transparency. When politicians fail, regardless of any affiliation, we must call them out and demand better.

“Young people have to power to shape the government we want, but only if we seize it. Run for office. Challenge corruption. Mobilize communities. Hold leaders accountable. Refuse to be silenced. The fate of democracy is not in the hands of politicians – it is ours. The question remains: will we keep it?”

Stirring words from a young woman on her way up. Click HERE to read her prize-winning essay.