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Zonta presents 2019 Young Women in Public Affairs Award

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PHOTO PROVIDED Abigail Fletcher, a 10th-grader at North Fort Myers High School, received the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva's 2019 Young Women in Public Affairs Award. She offers her thanks as school counselor Christy Gordon, grandmother Barbara Fletcher and mother Diana Fletcher watch on.

On May 1, the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva honored Abigail Fletcher with the 2019 Young Women in Public Affairs Award, which recognizes superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service.

The award was established by Zonta International to address the significant disparity in the representation of women in legislature and emphasizes the importance of women having equal participation in decision-making processes.

Abigail, 16, a 10th-grader at North Fort Myers High School, participates in many activities including orchestra, choir, student government, JROTC and Varsity Swim Team and is captain of the Mock Trial Team. Additionally, she volunteers with Special Equestrians, 4-H Leadership Clubs and Teen Court.

“Teen Court gives convicted juveniles another chance to get a fresh start,” she said. “Through this program, I have gained experience as a clerk and as an attorney.”

Abigail is also proficient in American Sign Language.

“The beauty of sign language,” she said, “is that it is universal. Sign language transfers from country to country as all deaf people use the same signs, or at least they are very similar.”

Upon receiving her award, which included a $1,000 check from Zonta, Abigail thanked her mother, Diana Fletcher, and grandmother, Barbara Fletcher, along with her school counselor, Christy Gordon.

Her plans are to study political science at Hillsdale College in Michigan, then attend law school.

Presenting the award, Ellen Strobel of Zonta noted that those who wrote recommendations described Abigail’s character, sense of justice, leadership skills, integrity, resilience and self-confidence.

“Abigail is described as mature, hardworking, committed, respectful, and one who always works for the betterment of others,” she said.

Her achievement as the YWPA recipient makes her eligible to compete for further recognition and awards from Zonta regionally and nationally.

For information about Zonta, visit www.zontasancap.org.