2018 Essay Contest Winners

Since launching the essay contest during National School Choice Week in January, more than 300 Michigan charter school students have shared their stories with us about who their heroes are. We were deeply moved by the essays received.

Through these stories, we learned of many, many students who are embracing challenges and beating the odds day-in and day-out.  We have come to understand that their mothers, siblings, fathers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers and other special people in their lives are making an overwhelming difference and coaching them toward success through hard work and yes, often hardship.  Michigan’s charter schools are full of strong and diverse students who are beating the odds and winning — we couldn’t be more proud!

Our accolades go out to all of the students who submitted. We are pleased to share the essays of our winners:

Winners

[box style=”rounded” border=”full” icon=”none”][typography font=”Open Sans” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#545454″]First Place Award[/typography]

High School:

Madison Corriveau | Read Essay
10th grade, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
ESP: K12
Authorizer: Manistee Area Public Schools

Middle School:

Olivia Sipic | Read Essay
8th grade, Michigan Virtual Charter Academy
ESP: K12
Authorizer: Grand Valley State University

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[box style=”rounded” border=”full” icon=”none”][typography font=”Open Sans” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#545454″]Second Place Award[/typography]

High School:

Laura Otto | Read Essay
12th grade, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
ESP: K12
Authorizer: Manistee Area Public Schools

Middle School:

Hailey Dykhouse | Read Essay
7th grade, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
ESP: K12
Authorizer: Manistee Area Public Schools

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[box style=”rounded” border=”full” icon=”none”][typography font=”Open Sans” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#545454″]Third Place Award[/typography]

High School:

Michelle Perez | Read Essay
11th grade, Advanced Technology Academy
ESP: Technical Academy Group
Authorizer: Lake Superior State University

Middle School:

Anya Jones | Read Essay
8th grade, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
ESP: K12
Authorizer: Manistee Area Public Schools

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[box style=”rounded” border=”full” icon=”none”][typography font=”Open Sans” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#545454″]Honorable Mention Award[/typography]

High School:

Jaylen Bonner | Read Essay
10th grade, American International Academy
ESP: Self-managed
Authorizer: Lake Superior State University

Ruby Houston | Read Essay
12th grade, Pontiac Academy for Excellence
ESP: Charter School Services of Michigan
Authorizer: Saginaw Valley State University

Kayla McDonald | Read Essay
12th grade, Pontiac Academy for Excellence
ESP: Charter School Services of Michigan
Authorizer: Saginaw Valley State University

Middle School:

Amire Miller | Read Essay
8th grade, University Prep Academy
ESP: Detroit 90/90
Authorizer: Grand Valley State University

Mija Bentley | Read Essay
8th grade, Woodland Park
ESP: Midwest School Services, Inc.
Authorizer: Central Michigan University

Joseph Pittenger | Read Essay
8th grade, Woodland Park
ESP: Midwest School Services, Inc.
Authorizer: Central Michigan University

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[box style=”rounded” border=”full” icon=”none”][typography font=”Open Sans” size=”18″ size_format=”px” color=”#545454″]The Spirit of Fortitude Award[/typography]

We want to give a special award of endurance and fortitude to Macomb Academy!

Macomb Academy | Read Essays
Restorative Coordinator: Teron Varner
Superintendent: Megan Fuciarelli
Authorizer: Central Michigan University

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Congratulations to our winners!

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded for first, second, and third place winners in each division.

[tabs style=”boxed”] [tab title=”Grades 6-8″]

First Prize:
$250 and a trophy

Second Prize:
$125 and a certificate of recognition

Third Prize:
$50 and a certificate of recognition

Honorable Mention:
Certificate of recognition.

*Special recognition will also be given to the middle and high school classroom that submits the most and best essays.

[/tab] [tab title=”Grades 9-12″]

First Prize:
$250 and a trophy

Second Prize:
$125 and a certificate of recognition

Third Prize:
$50 and a certificate of recognition

Honorable Mention:
Certificate of recognition.

*Special recognition will also be given to the middle and high school classroom that submits the most and best essays.

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[toggle title_open=”Judging Criteria” title_closed=”Judging Criteria” hide=”yes” border=”yes” style=”default” excerpt_length=”0″ read_more_text=”Read More” read_less_text=”Read Less” include_excerpt_html=”no”]

Judging Criteria: Entries will be reviewed by a panel of qualified judges. Winners will be selected based on the originality of their theme (be creative and compelling); how clearly the theme is expressed; and adherence to rules of grammar, punctuation, and style. The word count will be noted, but not strictly adhered to.

Publishing Rights: Entering the contest grants the Institute permission to publish essays in whole or in part, and use winners’ names and photographs to publicize winning entries.

For Questions: Contact the Institute at (989) 317-3510 or email essaycontest@charterinstitute.org[/toggle]

Click here to learn more about this contest.

Thank you for participating!

This contest is sponsored by the National Charter Schools Institute