State Rep. Ann Bollin this week congratulated a young student who represented her and won first place in the Michigan Association of Public School Academies’ (MAPSA) wax museum competition at the state Capitol.

Ashley Blaszczynski, a student at Charyl Stockwell Academy Middle School in Brighton, earned the top honor after channeling Bollin with poise, confidence and a message rooted in public service.

Dressed in a black blazer and glasses, Ashley said: “Belief is a necessary power you need in order to make change. I believe that the Constitution should be upheld in each individual decision that we make, and that each dollar spent belongs to the taxpayer.”

“She nailed it,” said Bollin, R-Brighton Township. “Watching her speak with such heart and understanding of what it means to serve people — that’s exactly why I do this job. I’m incredibly proud of her and honored she chose to represent me.”

MAPSA’s annual wax museum competition brings charter school students to the Capitol to impersonate state lawmakers in a creative civics exercise. The event challenges students to study their chosen representative and deliver a speech from that legislator’s perspective.

“This competition gives students a hands-on opportunity to learn how government works and how their voices can help shape the future of our state,” Bollin said. “I hope she continues to lead with courage and conviction, because Michigan needs that next generation of leaders.”