Solon Student Wins $40,000 Scholarship Contest

SOLON, OH — Solon High student Samuel Oguntoyinbo was named the grand prize winner of the prestigious Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage's 11th Annual Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out essay contest. He will receive a $40,000 scholarship as the winner.

Oguntoyinbo is the son of Nigerian immigrants. In his winning and inspiring essay, he wrote about his experiences dealing with racism and his passion for inclusivity.

"I believe that once we educate others and reinforce our shared humanity, we can do away with much of the ignorance, bigotry, and hatred that plague us as a society. While this is much easier said than done, the pursuit of this goal is well worth the work it entails," he wrote.

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Oguntoyinbo was one of 10 high school juniors and seniors that were named finalists for the grand prize. The 10 finalists were plucked from a massive field of participants, coming from 12 Ohio counties, that submitted essays.

The entire winning essay was read by Oguntoyinbo. His speech can be seen below.

Priyanka Shrestha, from Beachwood High, was named the first runner-up and received a $15,000 scholarship. Kennon Walton, from University School, was second runner-up and received a $10,000 scholarship. Mackenzie Lee, from Hawken School, was third runner-up and got a $5,000 scholarship.

The following students were named honorable mentions and received a $500 cash prize:

• Heavenlee Alamo, James Ford Rhodes High School
• Marcie Baker, West Geauga High School
• Alexa Furukawa, Revere High School
• Alan Goodlow, Hudson High School
• Mathilde Tomter, Beaumont School
• Emma Rae Witt, Berkshire High School

All of the winning essays, including Oguntoyinbo's essay, can be seen in a PDF essay book shared online by the Maltz Museum.