Syosset Students Named Finalists in Black History Month Essay Contest

Two students from South Grove Elementary School are being honored for their excellent writing skills and their knowledge of important figures in Black History.

Fourth-grader Aayan Subzwari and fifth-grader Russell Erfan were both finalists and received honorable mention in the Optimum Community Black History Month Essay Contest. The boys were among only five students from the Tri-state area to place in the elementary category of the contest.

Students throughout the Tri-state area were invited to submit an essay of 500 words or less naming an African American with whom they would choose to spend a day and explain why. Aayan wrote his essay about boxer/activist Muhammad Ali while Russell wrote about author/surveyor/farmer Benjamin Banneker. Each received a certificate and an iPad mini from Optimum Community for their submissions.

Story by Syntax, Photos courtesy of the Syosset CSD: (From left) South Grove ES enrichment teacher Michele Webb congratulates Aayan Subzwari and Russell Erfan, along with Principal Theresa Scrocco and Cablevision Public Affairs Manager Kristen Thurber. The boys were finalists in Optimum Community’s Black History Month Essay Contest.