Elmont Memorial High School eighth-grader Cece Jean, sophomores Jahnia Cunningham and Vanessa Rodriguez, and senior Lauryn-Alexa Mitchell won the Erase Racism’s Student Voices Call to Action contest.
The contest is part of the organization’s education equity campaign and asked students to reflect on the Charlottesville, Virginia, riot and answer the question, “How can we love each other better in our schools and community, and what does that look like?” through a poem, an op-ed or digital media. Nearly 50 students from Elmont Memorial participated.
Principal Kevin Dougherty read and viewed all of his students’ submissions, and said it provided him with valuable insight on how they’re feeling during this pertinent time in history. He also thanked them for taking a risk and sharing their voices.
The four winning students were interviewed by representatives from Erase Racism and will be featured on the organization’s website and social media pages.
