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| Source: Republican National Convention Arkansas Youth Will Address the Nation at Republican National Convention August 16th, 2004--The 2004 Republican National Convention and MTV's "Choose or Lose: 20 Million LOUD!" campaign today announced Princella Smith of Wynne, AR, as the winner of the "Stand Up and Holla!" essay contest. Princella was announced as the winner on MTV's Total Request Live (TRL) this evening and will join Republicans from across the nation as they convene at Madison Square Garden this month to re-nominate President George W. Bush. Princella will take the stage as an official program participant and address the nation on Tuesday, August 31. Convention officials also announced that each of the top ten finalists for the contest have been invited to attend the convention. MTV's "Choose or Lose: 20 Million LOUD!" aims to get 20 million young voters, aged 18-30, to the polls in November. "America's young people understand what's at stake for their generation in this presidential election and are taking tremendous steps to be involved in the civic affairs of our nation," said Bill Harris, CEO of the 2004 Republican National Convention. "Princella is a distinguished young woman committed to answering President Bush's call to service in her community. We look forward to hearing what Princella has to say in front of a worldwide audience and are proud to have her join our program lineup in New York City." "We are very excited to partner with both the Republican and the Democratic conventions to call attention to the power of young voters -- and to give Princella this unprecedented opportunity to address the nation," commented Ian Rowe, Vice President of Public Affairs & Strategic Partnerships for MTV. "Based on the positive response to this contest, we are more confident than ever that 20 million 18 to 30 year-olds will make their voices heard on Election Day." More than 100,000 votes were cast in the "Stand Up and Holla!" contest and Princella's winning total secured her a spot on the convention program. The 20-year-old Arkansan is majoring in History and Political Science at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, AR, where she is actively engaged in local, state and national politics. Princella said that her generation has been inspired by President George W. Bush to move out into the world and engage in a "higher purpose." In April 2004, Princella was named a Community All-Star for Community Service in her hometown of Wynne, AR for her efforts tutoring students, participating in local afterschool programs, and assisting with church- sponsored events to aid shut-ins and assist the needy. At Ouachita Baptist University, she educates her peers through Black History programs and participates in service projects to clean-up the local community through "Tiger Serve Day," the college's community service program which organizes various outreach events monthly. She's also a part of "Boys to Men, Girls to Women," an organization that uses basketball as a tool to keep kids off the street and out of gangs. In addition her convention speaking engagement on Tuesday, August 31, Princella will be trailed by MTV News cameras as part of MTV's extensive coverage of the 2004 Republican National Convention. From meeting elected officials from across the nation to attending some of the biggest convention- week parties to her final moments before she goes onstage, MTV News will document Princella's convention experience from start to finish. Nearly 1,000 young adults from across the nation between the ages of 18 and 24 submitted essays in just two months time. Contestants were asked to write about the importance of President George W. Bush's call to service and how they have demonstrated it in their own communities. The field was narrowed to 10 finalists and voting was open to the public to select their favorite, Princella Smith. More than 100,000 votes were cast at http://www.gopconvention.com/essaycontest. The "Stand Up and Holla!" essay contest is part of the convention's comprehensive plan to energize the Republican Party's young leaders and equip them with the tools to carry out grassroots efforts on behalf of President Bush. Though only one winner could be selected, each of the ten finalists has been invited to the convention to participate in the Page Program. The Page Program will bring nearly 200 of the party's youth to New York City for the convention. Aside from page duties during convention hours, they will participate in an array of other planned activities and tours at various cultural centers throughout the city. Responding to the president's call to service, pages will volunteer at a service project in the tri-state area and participate in their own mock proceedings at the Youth Convention. The Youth Convention, to be held one day during the official convention, is an exciting opportunity that will allow Pages to access the convention floor and interact with campaign leaders, media personalities, youth representatives and national Republican leaders. MTV's "Choose or Lose" campaign along with the convention promoted the essay contest and hosted online voting on its website, http://www.chooseorlose.com/. MTV also worked with the Democratic National Committee on their "Speak Out For The Future" essay contest, which awarded a young person a chance to speak at the 2004 Democratic National Convention last month. Originally launched in 1992, "Choose or Lose" is MTV's comprehensive campaign to encourage young adults ages 18-30 to get involved in politics by voting and voicing their most urgent concerns while also challenging leading presidential candidates to address those issues. In 2004, "Choose or Lose" on-air and off-air programming will include regular news segments, issue-based specials, candidate interviews, convention coverage and grassroots events, and will culminate with an election night wrap-up. "20 Million LOUD!" is a national campaign of hundreds of organizations, including MTV, that aims to mobilize more than 20 million young adults to vote and be a deciding factor in the 2004 presidential election. Throughout the year, 20 Million LOUD! partners will conduct a series of high-profile, high-impact events on television, online and in communities across the country. The Republican National Convention will be held for the first time ever in New York City at Madison Square Garden from August 30 through September 2, 2004. Nearly 50,000 visitors are expected to visit the city for the event. F or more information about the 2004 Republican National Convention, please visit http://www.gopconvention.com/. |
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