Rosenwald Foundation co-sponsors essay contest
For the second year, Rosenwald Elementary Middle School eighth-graders participated in an essay exercise.
The purpose is to help students improve writing skills and to learn more about the history and legacy of Rosenwald. The presentation ceremony was held April 19 in the school’s Robert C. Gerald Auditorium; $1,000 was awarded in prize money.
Funds were chiefly donated by Rosenwald military veterans and the Rosenwald Foundation.
Each student was charged to do research on the school’s history and incorporate their findings into the topic “The Importance of a Rosenwald Education.”
For their participation, the students were all given a cash award and a certificate of accomplishment from the Foundation. Students interviewed various Rosenwald alumni and were encouraged to talk with their grandparents who attended the school for candid details about their student experience.
Essays were evaluated by professionals who are non-Rosenwald alumni. They assessed writing style, extent of historical research and organization of thoughts effectively.
Steven Williams was recognized and awarded first-place submission and Aniya Bulloch received the second-place award.
The project is the brainchild of Rosenwald alumnus Melvin Cox (’70) who in 2018 proposed the idea to school principal Kimberly Mason. The Rosenwald Foundation volunteered to match funds raised to award prizes, as the exercise helps students establish a more permanent connection to Rosenwald.
Last year eight students participated. This year 13 submitted essays, including Raekwon Benjamin, Aniya Bulloch, Tyiesha Douglas, Paige Gardner, Arionnia Graham, Justin Graham, Makaylia Harrington, Milaysia McGee, Trayvon Montgomery, Emmanuel Pendergrass, Riheim Scott, Nia Tedder and Steven Williams.
The students were coached by REMS faculty member Susan Owens. Darlington County Board of Education member Connell Delaine (’64) was on hand for the ceremony, along with Melvin Cox (’70), and Rosenwald Foundation Board Member Jenelle Davis (’79).
The Rosenwald Foundation – Society Hill is a public charity founded to preserve and perpetuate the legacy of Rosenwald High School. William K. McCall (’81) serves as the 2019 president with Emmanuel Williamson (’68), treasurer.