The School Committee last night recognized the 5th grade World of Wellesley essay winners who set themselves apart by writing movingly about a person of color or a personal experience with discrimination.
Two winners from each school were selected by members of the World of Wellesley Board of Directors who read essays, poems and biographies written by every 5th grade student as part of the elementary curriculum.
"We got a lot of really terrific essays, and this year we got a lot about bullying," said WOW board member Michelle Chalmers, who judged the essays from Bates.
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Chalmers said she was especially impressed with several essays about having the courage to stand up and be a voice when you see something bad happening.
"It's one thing to realize the struggle about someone else," she said. "But students were able to relate that back to themselves and show how the courage of others has helped them to have the courage to stand-up."
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WOW started the essay contest 18 years ago, according to WOW President Richard McGhee.
"The schools liked it so much they took it away from us," he said with a laugh. "And we're glad they did."
McGhee, who said his group was given two years to survive when it was formed, will celebrate it's 20th anniversary in the Fall.
The year's essay winners are:
From Bates: Emily Metcalf and Matt Olszewski
From Fiske: Brandon Chow and Reinaldy Tejeda
From Hardy: Charlotte Harris and Ari Natansohn
From Hunnewell: Dan Brennan and Olivia Gieger
From Schofield: Ben Matejka and Katie Kamio
From Sprague: Allie Novakoff and Grace Ronchetti
From Upham: Sarah Bower and Molly Brown
In other news, the School Committee reorganized, naming KC Kato as chair of the board.
