As a community, it is safe to say that we value youth development and empowerment. By recognizing and supporting growth, we lay the foundation for prosperous future generations capable of bringing about change. Recently, we have celebrated Lake Braddock seventh-grader, Alexander Mather, who won a NASA contest and was awarded the privilege of naming a mars rover, which he named "Perseverance."

Perseverance in the face of hardship is an essential skill that can bring new ideas, innovations, and ways of thinking to the forefront. Perseverance is where one's passions can be seen. Today, around 250 million children in developing countries are at risk of not reaching their development potential due to poverty and stunting. To protect and care for children in adversity, I urge Senator Mark Warner to co-sponsor the Global Child Thrive Act. As a result, more children like Alexander can have better access to opportunities that help them achieve their Dreams.

Madison Chowdhury

Fairfax