Congratulations to the Winners of the Black History Month Essay Contest:
1st Place: Ayden Crockett
Biography: Ayden is born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. Creative and curious, he has a passion for crafting and loves bringing ideas to life with his hands. In his downtime, you’ll find him curled up with a good book, always eager to explore new stories and perspectives.
2nd Place: Elan “Ellie” Dela Cruz
Note: Legal name is Elan, but guardian says she goes by Ellie.
Biography: Ellie is an aspiring musician who loves to sing, play the guitar, and piano. When she isn’t creating music, she enjoys reading and studying for her trivia quiz team. Some of her favorite things include watching the Aces win, recording perfect harmonies, and spending time with her dog.
3rd Place: Devante Poole
Congratulations to the Winners of the Asian American Pacifiic Islander Heritage Month Essay Contest:
1st Place: Jericho Cruse
2nd Place: Taliyah Henderson
Biography: Hi, my name is Taliyah Henderson. I’m a 14-year-old girl with a passion for basketball, which I’ve been playing since I was six. I aspire to become a physical therapist for athletes so I can help others stay strong and healthy in the sports they love.
3rd Place: Millie Winkelkotter
Biography: Millie is the oldest of five children and has set a great example for them. She was the only student in her rural school to make all-state band; she plays the flute and violin. Each year her school gives out one reading recognition award scholarship to an eighth grader, and Millie was the recipient. She has made straight A’s since the third grade and scores in the 98th percentile on her state tests. Millie has worked hard to be successful despite having severe anxiety disorder and high-functioning autism.