‘Looking Forward... to Change’ essay winners announced
TROY, N.Y. » Rensselaer County District Attorney Mary Pat Donnelly announced the winners Friday in the “Looking Forward ... to Change” writing contest. Winners from each age bracket will receive a prize, including an iPad for the first-place winner, as well as Walmart gift cards for the second and third place.
The students wrote of their personal experiences and observations with regard to racism in our communities. But, more importantly, each essay shared ideas about moving forward and educating each other to work toward understanding and acceptance.
For instance, Mackenna Pashley, 10, donated books about black culture and history to her local library and to other families in her community. Mackenna hoped that with her gesture, “we could make people understand that they should care.”
Taquasha Jones, 14, a student at Columbia High School said, “People are racist and they don’t even realize it.” Taquasha explained that pushing tough issues “to the side allows kids to assume and spread ignorance.” Shiquinta Wheatley, 17, from Troy, wrote, “the community should come together... with children of all ages and races getting to know each other.”
“I am impressed by all of the students and families who took the time to participate in the contest,” Donnelly remarked.
“I hope this is the start of a meaningful dialogue on this important topic. Thank you once again to the East Greenbush Walmart for their donation of prizes for this program,” Donnelly added.
The winners’ names and their schools are listed below: * 10 – 12 years old:
• First Prize - Mackenna Pashley, Hoosic Valley
• Second Prize - Kimelah
Griffin- Sprague, Red Mill Elementary
• Third Prize - Cole Franklin, Knickerbocker Middle School * 13 – 15 years old:
• First Prize – Violet Dupuis, Averill Park
• Second Prize – Taquasha Jones, Columbia
• Third Prize – Ada Wu, Emma Willard
* 16 – 18 years old:
• First Prize – Jordanne Brazie, Berlin Central
• Second Prize – Katie Asenbauer, Columbia High
• Third Prize – Shiquinta Wheatley, Troy High