Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
The Elmore County Board of Education recognized student achievement and reflection during its meeting last Tuesday, announcing the winners of this year’s Black History Month essay contest for middle and high school students.
This year’s themes centered on honoring 250 years of Black history in Alabama. Middle school students responded to “Honoring 250 Years of Black History in Alabama” in essays of at least 300 words, while high school students explored “A Commemoration of 250 Years of Black History in Alabama” in essays of at least 500 words.
The contest drew strong participation, with about 300 middle school entries and 25 high school submissions. From those, judges selected 14 middle school and 12 high school students as top winners, highlighting both the depth of talent and the importance of student voices in telling history through a personal lens.
Board members and educators praised the students for their thoughtful work and the way their writing connected the past to the present in meaningful, community-centered ways. Each winner received a cash prize, made possible through the support of sponsors who continue to invest in student achievement and local education.
The following students were recognized as this year’s essay winners:
Middle School Essay Winners:
Avery Mann- HMS- 1st Place
Addison Miller-HMS-2nd Place
Maddie Hickman-HMS-2nd Place
Willow Brasher-HMS-3rd Place
Keagan Forrester-HMS-4th Place
Elizabeth Garner-RMS-5th Place
Raylen Johnson-MMS-6th Place
Norman Mast-HMS-7th Place
Aaliyah Hammett-EMS-7th Place
Emily Ready-HMS-8th Place
Levi Woodruff-HMS-8th Place
Chase Miscisin-HMS-9th Place
Leland Brown-HMS-10th Place
Mason Jackson-HMS-10th Place
High School Essay Winners:
Kamrin Rylant-WHS-1st Place
Riley Jarome-WHS-2nd Place
Hayden Padgett-WHS-3rd Place
Baker Pouncey-WHS-3rd Place
Taylor Lovejoy-WHS-4th Place
Hayley Padgett-WHS-5th Place
Jaxon Hutto-WHS-6th Place
Lorenza Rembert Jr-WHS-7th Place
Elliott Smith-WHS-8th Place
Wes Walker-WHS-8th Place
Qaderri Maull-SEHS-9th Place
Raegan Tarantino-SEHS-10th Place
