“Disparities such as racism, sexism and ageism – among others – are still occurring today. Define and discuss one disparity and explain what you think the underlying cause is. What can be done to address it? Include personal and/or sourced examples.”

A tough issue to consider, but middle school students Natalia Hong, Julia Bangert, Rahul Faizer, Jackson Barnes and Rose Gasongo responded the best. Their essays were selected from essays submitted by middle school students from Roseville Area Middle School in Roseville’s annual Human Rights, Inclusion and Engagement Commission Essay Contest.

The community is encouraged to attend and congratulate the essay contest winners when they are honored by the City Council. The meeting will be shown at www.cityofroseville.com/webstreaming and on Cable Channel 16.

Hong took first place honors in the contest. She is a seventh grader at Roseville Area Middle School (RAMS). Hong is taught by Jeff Bibeau. In her essay, Hong discussed the effects colonialism has on human rights.

Bangert’s and Faizer’s essays tied for second place, and Barnes’s took third place. All three students are eighth graders and are taught by Kelly Patrick. Gasongo received honorable mention. She is in seventh grade and is taught by Bibeau.

Each year the Roseville Human Rights, Inclusion and Engagement Commission sponsors the essay contest. 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 winning essays are available at www.cityofroseville.com/hriec.