New York State Women, Inc.-Westchester Chapter ran an essay contest for the first, second and third grades at Montessori Academy during the month of March. The children were asked to choose a woman who has made a difference and explain what she did and why they feel she made a difference. The purpose of this contest is to bring awareness to the role women play in history, as many history books do not include women’s accomplishments.
The awards assembly was held May 15, and approximately 200 students participated, writing about 62 different women.
The first-grade winner was Jana Mendez. She wrote about Harriet Tubman, who walked 90 miles to Pennsylvania and became free.
Mendez wrote: “I chose Harriet Tubman because she was a strong and unselfish woman, who never gave up her dream of becoming free. I think she was very brave. What impressed me was when she ran away to the North and became free, she still went back to help her family. Harriet used the Underground Railroad to help other slaves. The event was what motivated her to try to end slavery. She made this world a better place by helping the North win the Civil War, which made all slaves free and gave them the freedom to live and be happy.”
The second-grade winner was Maya Aldana, who wrote about Michele Obama.
“While she was First Lady, she created some great projects for kids, such as Let’s Move and the vegetable garden at the White House where they lived,” wrote Aldana. “Let’s Move was a project to get kids to exercise and dance and be more active. She asked schools to provide healthy foods for students. These things show how Michele wanted America’ kids to be healthy. She also wanted kids to study hard and go to college.”
The third-grade winner was Camille Ortiz-Estevez, who wrote about Ruth Bader Ginsburg who spent a considerable part of her legal career as an advocate for the advancement of gender and women’s rights
Ortiz-Estevez wrote: “I looked her up because she is a good role model. She is a warrior for women’s rights. Her petite frame and age don’t limit her from standing in her own power. This is why I am inspired by her – she teaches me to step into my own power and have my own ambition.”
All participants received a certificate from New York State Women, Inc.-Westchester Chapter, as well as a certificate from the mayor’s office. The winners received a framed certificate and a check from NYS Women, Inc.-Westchester.
