Westfield Teen Wins New York Times Essay Contest

WESTFIELD, NJ — Mira Mehta, 16, of Westfield High School, was named as a runner-up in the New York Times' 7th Annual Student Editorial Contest on Wednesday. Mehta's essay was entitled: “It’s Time to Take Responsibility: Addressing the Indigenous Health Crisis."

The contest was open to teens across the country. The times received 7,318 entries, which had to be a mere 450 words or fewer. Read more about the contest results here.

Here are some other recent updates on Westfield's schools:

Other school updates

• Westfield Public Schools are scheduled to open in fall on Sept. 9. The state is presently considering three options for fall school reopening in New Jersey: in-person schooling, virtual schooling, and a "blended option" involving both. The state is likely to offer more guidelines some time this week, one official said.
• The district recently appointed a new interim principal and interim assistant principal.
• Now that the governor is permitting large outdoor gatherings starting in July, the mayor and Westfield High School principal are discussing a graduation plan for July 8. READ MORE.
• Here are coronavirus updates from the Westfield School District.
• Day cares and camps can reopen, with restrictions, starting June. 15. READ MORE.
• Camp: Mayor Brindle said, "After extensive discussion and evaluation, the Recreation Commission has decided to suspend Playground Camp and Teen Scene this summer. Unfortunately, State guidance does not allow us to use the schools as camp facilities due to COVID-19 related restrictions ... As an alternative, we will be offering Virtual Camp in a Box, which will consist of themed boxes to include all materials for each project, along with daily videos from some of the camper's favorite counselors. Additionally, we are looking at different avenues to host small workshops and outdoor clinics. "
• Should special needs schools open back up? A local mom says yes. READ MORE.

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