United States Ambassador Brent Hardt announced the winners of the US Embassy’s inaugural Dr. Martin King, Jr. essay contest on Tuesday at a ceremony at his residence, where Sheena Chin of President’s College was declared the first place winner.
The contest was open to students, ages 12 to 16, in public and private schools throughout Guyana and the essays reflected on how Guyanese youth can contribute to a “revolution of values” that reflects unconditional love for all people regardless of tribe, race, class, or creed.
The students were encouraged to submit a typewritten, double-spaced essay of 600 to 1,000 words that was judged on effective organization, relevancy to the theme, originality, and grammar, a press release from the Embassy said.
The Embassy presented to each of the four winners a monetary award for the purchase of books and school supplies, as well as several books about Dr. King and a certificate signed by the Ambassador.
The first place winner, Sheena Chin, read her full essay aloud, “Peace and Love: The Key to Our Own Paradise on Earth.” The other contest winners were asked to read excerpts from their essays.
The second place winner was Kenesha Adams, of Anna Regina Secondary, with an essay titled “How Can Young People Contribute to the Advancement of Dr. King’s Revolution of Values?” In third place was Sondrea Low, of Bishops’ High, whose essay was titled “Promoting Strength and Unity in Our Country,” while taking the fourth place prize was Manouska Vyphuis, of Mackenzie High, with an essay titled “Martin Luther King Jr.: 1929-1968.”
Ambassador Hardt, in brief remarks, looked at how Americans celebrate a national holiday in honour of Dr. King every year on the third Monday of January. And he noted that the essays carried a common theme: a recognition that changing the world for the better and overcoming hatred and divisions begins with each of us – and what we do and how we act toward others.
The students were accompanied by their families and school representatives.
