African American Trailblazers Student Essay Contest
Grades 3-4
First: Nicholas DeLaPena
Hopkins Road Elementary
Mrs. Cheatam, 4th Grade
Read the essay
Second: Brianna Dudley
Johnson Elementary
Ms. Lovett, 3rd Grade
Third: Camille Perry
Johnson Elementary
Ms. Lovett, 3rd Grade
Grades 5-6
First: Imani Brooks
South Boston Elementary
Ms. Davis, 5th Grade
Read the essay
Second: Taylor Burrell
Grafton Bethel Elementary
Ms. Greene, 5th Grade
Third: Terence Hardy
Clarksville Elementary
Ms. Turner, 5th Grade
Grades 7-8
First: Jessica Moniz
West Point Public Schools
Mrs. Rice, 8th Grade
Read the essay
Second: Annesha Sengupta
Manchester Middle School
Ms. Sanders, 7th Grade
Third: Marisela Ochoa
Richmond County Intermediate School
Mr. Strong, 8th Grade
The 2009 student essay contest prompt is:
Civil Rights Leader Oliver Hill spoke these words:
"Our Declaration of Independence says we are all created with rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I agree with the life and the liberty. The pursuit of happiness ought to include the right to be taught and trained, to be able to do something constructive, to move toward a civilized society."
What does the "pursuit of happiness" mean to you?
Rules:
- This contest is for students in grades 3-8. There will be 3 divisions: grades 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8. Three winners will be chosen for each division. Please clearly mark your envelope for which division you are entering.
- Essays can be any length, but must not be more than 500 words.
- Essays can be submitted by an individual student, parent or teacher. A teacher may enter one essay for each student in their class.
- Judges will include readers from The Times-Dispatch, James River Writers, and the Library of Virginia.
- Plagiarized writing will be disqualified. Entries must be the sole work of the student.
- No purchase necessary. Contest open to students in grades 3-8 in the state of Virginia.
Prizes:
- The first place winners for each division will receive:
- A $500 savings bond.
- The opportunity to read their essay on a 30-second commercial spot on Comcast. Taping date to be announced.
- The winning essay published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
- An invitation to attend the 2009 African American Trailblazers event at the Library of Virginia on February 26 and be recognized at the event.
- Second place winners for each division will each receive:
- Third place winners for each division will receive:
How to Submit Your Entry:
- All entries must be received by 4 pm on February 11, 2009. You will be contacted by February 19 if you are a winner.
- Please complete and attach the "Student Essay Contest Entry Form" to your submission.
- Please fax entries to (804) 775-8101 or mail them to:
NIE, Richmond Times-Dispatch
Student Essay Contest: 3-4 / 5-6 / 7-8 (Choose one)
P.O. Box 85333
Richmond, VA 23293
Student Essay Contest Entry Form (click for form)
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