Last month EPB honored eight Hamilton County students who won the company's 12th annual Black History Month contest after submitting original poetry inspired by efforts to advance the cause of equality.
Students in the first through 12th grades in public and private schools, as well as home schooled children, were offered the opportunity to compete by writing poetry that celebrates the 150th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Local judges reviewed entries from 362 students in four age categories.
Each of the eight winners was honored at a banquet and received a $100 prize, as did their teachers:
Grades 1-3
* Ella Nottis, Allen Elementary; teacher, Mrs. Mitchell
* Maximo Gonzales Easter, Battle Academy; teacher, Brooke Snyder
Grades 4-5
* Sofia Skrypkar, Snow Hill Elementary; teacher, Meredith Ziegenmier
* Jack Matheny, Snow Hill Elementary; teacher, Diane Hitchcock
Grades 6-8
* Letajah Jennings, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy; teacher, Kristina Garrison
* TaNiya Crowder, Brown Middle School; teacher, Michelle Dunn
Grades 9-12
* Mcksim Mikhaylishin, Ooltewah High School; teacher, Rose Fuller
* Sawyer Lyons, McCallie School; teacher, Sam Currin