Cook Congratulates Southeastern Greene Student Honored in Statewide Essay Contest

March 19, 2026

WAYNESBURG – Rep. Bud Cook (R Greene/Washington) congratulates Nicole Diana Barrera, a senior at Mapletown High School, for receiving recognition in a statewide essay contest aimed at having more students involved in government.

Barrea was awarded an honorable mention in the essay competition run by the Can We Talk? student dialogue initiative. Can We Talk? is a program of the Committee of Seventy. Students were asked to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence by assessing how well 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, who encourages students to be involved in government with his Student Advisors initiative, pointed out that the Southeastern Greene School District, which Barrera attends, is one of the districts that participates in the 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.”

Cook reminded residents in the 50th legislative district that his Student Advisor’s presentation will be held Thursday, May 14, at PennWest University at 6 p.m. The presentation features students sharing the assets, attractions and activities they identified within their school districts.

Nicole Diana Barrera - submitted by Nicole Diana Barrera.

Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com