The Herald, Sharon, PA Published Wednesday, March 20, 2002

MERCER COUNTY

Urban League fetes essayists

By Larissa Theodore
Herald Staff Writer

The Shenango Valley Urban League Guild on Saturday honored winners of its 28th annual African-American History and Heroes Essay Contest.

All of the winners had a chance to read their essays at the luncheon in Sharon High School before receiving awards for their work.

"This is a prestigious event. It is great," said Mercer Elementary School Principal Michelle Rhule. "Our students look forward to it. They get excited."

The purpose of the essay contest is help children learn about the struggles and influence of African-Americans, according to the Urban League Guild.

"For those who believe our teachers aren't teaching and the children aren't learning; for those who see no compassion in the leaders of tomorrow; for those who see no progress in the quest for racial harmony; for those doomsayers -- read a few essays," said Patty Fisher, program co-chairwoman and a teacher at West Hill Elementary in Sharon.

While the Urban League asserts every child is a winner, each year at least 20 winners and 20 runners-up are honored at a luncheon.

This year's first-place winners are:

  • Eric King and Courtney M. Hailstock of Musser Elementary School, Sharon.

  • Kelsey Corbett and Alyssa Messett of Case Avenue Elementary School, Sharon.

  • Iesha Jackson, Nicole D. Namisnyk and Alyson Jennings of West Hill Elementary.

  • Gia Prezioso of Sharpsville Elementary School.

  • Brian Lee Patrick, Morgan Rabold, Brock Janoski and Jason Varsho of West Middlesex.

  • Sierra Grande, Christopher Campbell, Cristin Pollock and Trey E. Robinson of Farrell Elementary School

  • Danielle Dunworth and Sean Roddy of Mercer Elementary.

  • Erin Slaven and Brian Friedrich II of St. Joseph's School, Sharon

  • Christian Jackson and Cody Dillon of Monsignor Monti School, Farrell. Honorable mentions are: Elizabeth Panko and Ryan Mathieson of Case Avenue; McKenzie Astey and Matt Mihalina of Musser; Jerilyn Guy, Jasmine Al-Nobani and Kyra Harrison of West Hill; Hannah Zidansek and Joey Giglio of St. Joseph's; Kristen Prezioso of Sharpsville; Joseph White, Hannah Gaines, James Hornyak and Rebecca Scott of West Middlesex; Karl B. Nelson, Charles Fleet, Richard Williams and Jessie McFarland of Farrell; Dustin Snyder and Abron Phillips of Mercer; and Chelsea Bernat and Cierra Newby Sims of Monsignor Monti.

    Elizabeth S. Lampkins chaired this year's program. Speakers were James A. Long, president and chief executive officer of the Urban League, and Deanna M.R. Yarboro.



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