The City Council has honored six middle school students for their outstanding submissions in Roseville’s annual Human Rights Essay Contest. The winners were selected from among 120 entrants.
Students were asked to tackle the subject of how prejudice and stereotypes affect the way we perceive and interact with each other, even when we don’t realize it. How do stereotypes affect our society, and how do they damage human rights? Where in your life have you seen prejudice and/or stereotypes, and how has seeing/experiencing that affected you personally? What action can you take regarding this experienced or witnessed discrimination?
Tough questions to consider, but Seigenn Thao, Ellie Long, Alicia Hopper, Emily LaPierre, David Vincze and Nina de los Reyes answered it best.
Thao, an eighth grader at RAMS, received first-place honors for his essay. He is taught by Scott Lauinger. Long, also an eighth grader at RAMS, placed second for her essay. She is taught by Kelly Patrick.
Seventh grader Alicia Hopper and eighth grader Emily LaPierre tied for third place for their essays. Hopper is taught by Cameron Johnson and LaPierre is taught by Rebecca Blanch.
Eighth graders David Vincze and Nina de los Reyes each received honorable mentions. Vincze is taught by Kelly Patrick and de los Reyes is taught by Danielle Tollefson.
The Roseville Human Rights Commission has sponsored the essay contest since 1986. Commissioners evaluate essays based upon content and composition and select the best essays. Commissioners do not know who wrote the essays until after winners have been selected to ensure an unbiased review. Copies of the winning essays are available at www.cityofroseville.com/humanrights.