Solon Students Win MLK Essay Contest

SOLON, OH — Two Solon High students were recognized for their essays during the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Art, Essay & Multimedia Contest. Senior Torre Wilks and junior Emma Krantz were both selected as grade-level essay winners.

The contest, sponsored by the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, was open to students in grades 6 to 12 throughout the state. Students were allowed to submit only one entry, but could choose which category (art, essay, multimedia) they wanted to compete in.

Students were prompted to reflect on a time in their lives when they encountered injustice. How did they react?

Hundreds of students from across the Buckeye State submitted pieces to the contest. Krantz and Wilks were named the 11th and 12th grade essay contest winners, respectively. Both students will read their essays, and receive their awards, during an event at COSI Columbus at the end of February.

"Congratulations to Torre, Emma, their families, and their English teachers, Jennifer Buemi and Nanci Bush," the Solon Schools said in a statement.

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission also praised the students, noting their commitment to civil rights.

Here is the complete list of essay winners for 2020:

• 6th Grade Essay: Natalie Zinn - Vinton County Middle School
• 7th Grade Essay: Emily Kovatch - St. Michael's School
• 8th Grade Essay: Julia Bidenbach - St. Michael's School
• 9th Grade Essay: Joud Kiwan - Lakota East High School
• 10th Grade Essay: Maurice Harrison - Eastmoor Academy High School
• 11th Grade Essay: Emma Krantz - Solon High School
• 12th Grade Essay: Torre Wilks - Solon High School