Achievers: Students win in Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum essay contest
Students from across the United States participated in the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum's 21st annual student essay contest.
The memorial museum received 771 entries from students in 44 states. Winning essays in fifth through 12th grades came from Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kentucky, Maryland and Florida.
“The empathy these students described inspired me," said John Kennedy, Oklahoma City National Memorial Foundation chairman. "Young people can change the world. They are our future leaders. I know we are in good hands.”
The essay contest gave students the opportunity to share how individuals or communities have shown strength and resilience to overcome challenges or tragedies.
Each winner received a cash prize and was recognized at a ceremony at the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum in April. Those chosen for their winning essays included:
• Fifth- and sixth-grade winners: First place, Sarah Stiegelmeyer, Lakeview Intermediate, Yukon; second place, Christopher Solomon, Waynoka Elementary School; and third place, Janelle Amoah, Fisher Elementary School, Oklahoma City.
• Seventh- and eighth-grade winners: First place, Avery Burton, Seiling Public Schools; second place, Adrianna Rivera, Chandler Jr. High School; and third place, Jada Burns, Oakdale Public School, Edmond.
• Ninth- and 10th-grade winners: First place, Michaela Stevens, Arkansas School for Math, Science and the Arts, Hot Springs; second place, Isadora Wise, Powell County High School, Stanton, Kentucky; and third place, Baylee Weatherford, Valliant High School.
• 11th- and 12th-grade winners: First place, Avery Brown, Crossings Christian School, Oklahoma City; second place, Aaron Siegle, Our Lady of Good Counsel High School, Olney, Maryland; and third place, Isabela Deneka, Armwood High School, Seffner, Florida.
To be considered for this column, please email achievement announcements and photos to LLynn@Oklahoman.com.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Achievers: Students win OKC National Memorial Museum essay contest
