AIC Writing Awards: 5th Grade Wins Prestigious Creative Writing Contest
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AIC Writing Awards:
5th Grade Wins Prestigious Creative Writing Contest
Earlier this year, our 5th-grade students read Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate, a poignant story about a young refugee from Sudan adjusting to life in America. The book set the perfect stage for their participation in the American Immigration Council's Celebrate America Creative Writing Contest.
The contest challenges fifth graders nationwide to explore themes like “Why I Am Glad America Is a Nation of Immigrants” and “What Does It Mean to be A Welcoming Nation?” Guided by their enthusiastic teacher Corrie Slay and our dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Justice and Belonging Coordinator, Jennifer Barfield, five of our students—Hazel Guendner, Eli Jaskolka, Lila Harrell, Marlon Morris, and Sam Cox—embarked on this creative journey.
Their mission: to articulate their thoughts on immigration and the importance of inclusivity through essays and poems. These young writers poured their hearts into their work, and their efforts truly paid off. We’re incredibly proud to announce that Lila Harrell’s essay, “Hand in Hand,” placed second, and Marlon Morris’s essay, “To Be a Welcoming Nation,” placed third in the Carolinas Chapter competition.
On May 30th, we had the distinct pleasure of welcoming two local lawyers from the American Immigration Council to our school. They presented the awards to Lila and Marlon in a touching ceremony that celebrated not only their outstanding writing but also the inclusive spirit that is at the heart of our community.
5th-grade teacher Corrie Slay reflected on the class’s experience, sharing, “We are incredibly proud of Lila, Marlon, and all our students who participated in the contest. Their reflections demonstrate the power of storytelling to foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for our nation's rich tapestry of cultures and identities.”
We believe in the power of stories to bring people together and build bridges of understanding. Our students' achievements in this writing contest are a testament to the supportive and enriching environment we provide, encouraging them to explore important societal themes and express their unique perspectives. What a beautiful illustration of our students’ commitment to fostering empathy and understanding.
