The Pennsylvania Coalition for Representative Democracy, or PennCORD, launched the Voting: The Power of Your Voice contest in September. The statewide contest challenged Pennsylvania students in grade six or above to create a 30-to-60-second video that demonstrates how voting gives power to citizens’ voices and why it is important for them to exercise that power. The competition was presented in partnership with the Pennsylvania departments of State and Education.          

The first lady of Pennsylvania, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, recognized Michael Wolfe as the runner-up in the contest. Wolfe, of Shickshinny, is a senior at Northwest Area High School in Luzerne County. His video, “An Honest Opinion,” is a silent 40-second spot that depicts how one person’s opinion cannot have an impact unless it is voiced by going to the polls.  

Michael Wolfe is the son of Wayne and Sue Wolfe of Daharain, Saudi Arabia, grandson of Barbara and Arnie Wolfe of McKendree, and nephew of Mark and Kay Krothe Wolfe. Michael plans to attend college, but has not made a choice at this time. When asked what he thought about winning second place in the contest, he said he was “pleasantly surprised.”   

The award will be presented by the Honorable Judge Rendell, Pennsylvania's First Lady, during the Veteran's Day assembly scheduled for November 11, 2008.  Judge Rendell will present the keynote address and is expected to arrive in the District at approximately 10:00 AM.