![image of Violet Vergilis with Washingtonville CSD logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1747852282/wsk12nyus/wt49qkrjh3mf3z3paqo2/CongratulationsVioletVergilis650x433px4.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1747852282/wsk12nyus/wt49qkrjh3mf3z3paqo2/CongratulationsVioletVergilis650x433px4.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1747852282/wsk12nyus/wt49qkrjh3mf3z3paqo2/CongratulationsVioletVergilis650x433px4.png","width":650}])
Washingtonville High School freshman Violet Vergilis has been named the winner of a prestigious essay contest sponsored by the Ninth Judicial Court in celebration of Women’s History Month, earning a $1,200 prize for her insightful and thought-provoking take on the impact of New York State’s newly passed Proposition 1.
The constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2024, expands protections against discrimination to include ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation and more. Violet’s essay analyzed the possible effects of this amendment on families, minors and women in New York, presenting a nuanced and considered perspective.
“Mainly, I just wanted to get people to think,” she explained. “It’s not as simple as making laws to protect us, it’s also about figuring out how to live together when we don’t all agree.”
Violet’s essay grappled with challenging questions: can a law designed to be fair actually be unfair to others? Is fairness a fixed concept, or something we’ll always struggle to define? She didn’t shy away from the complicated realities of applying legislation to real-life situations, touching on scenarios like transgender rights in healthcare and teenagers’ access to reproductive care.
The opportunity to enter the contest came unexpectedly, introduced during the last 10 minutes of class by her social studies teacher, Peter Sale. On a whim, she decided to write her essay over a weekend. Not long after, she received a letter from Supreme Court Justice Charles D. Wood informing her she had won.
“I was freaking out,” Violet laughed. “I truly wasn’t expecting it.”
She read her essay aloud at the Westchester County Supreme Courthouse last week during a ceremony. Beyond the cash award, the experience affirmed her interest in advocacy and leadership.
Violet is deeply involved in her school community. She serves as secretary for the Class of 2028, sings as a soprano in the WHS Concert Choir and participates in Sideline, Competition and All-Star Cheerleading. She is also part of the initiative, Morgan’s Message, which promotes mental health awareness in sports.
While college is still a few years away, Violet says she plans to pursue a medical degree. With her drive and dedication, she’s already well on her way.