IPA Student Wins National ‘I Can Make History’ Contest
On April 18, 2015, Christin Strong, a Grade 7 student at the International Preparatory Academy (IPA), a SABIS® Network school in Detroit, Michigan, was invited to attend an award dinner as a winner of a national essay contest. The Kroger “I Can Make History” contest was developed to encourage cultural and community pride among Michigan students in grades 4-12 Michigan.
Kroger is a leading supermarket chain in the U.S. with stores in 24 states. In line with its commitment to give back to the community, Kroger launched a yearly student contest in celebration of Black History Month. Now in its eighth year, the “I Can Make History” contest allows students to submit original work in the visual arts, writing (essay or poetry), or music. This year, students could choose from one of two themes: any African American past or present and why you want to be like that person or how are you making history in your community/neighborhood?
Christin chose to submit an essay entitled “Why I am Proud to be an African-American Female,” an essay that was inspired by her grandmother and biggest supporter. IPA was also supportive of Christin’s participation in the contest. “Christin’s attention to detail and relentless determination to produce a quality essay was very impressive. We are proud to have Christin as part of our school and representing leadership, maturity, and pride,” the IPA Student Life Coordinator, who encouraged Christin to enter the contest.
All entries were judged by an independent panel of judges. Winners were selected on the basis of the following criteria: understanding of the theme, originality, adherence to format rules and guidelines, creativity, and accuracy and organization of grammar. Hundreds of Michigan students are estimated to have entered the contest, which awarded more than $70,000 in prizes. IPA’s Christin Strong was among one of 70 winners – a first and second place winner for each category from grades 4-12 – and was invited with the other winners to attend a special award dinner. Christin was overjoyed upon hearing about her invitation to the award dinner and spoke about her plans for the future. “Winning this contest has been amazing. In fact, I plan to enter this same contest next year. I never knew I loved writing this much!”
IPA is a member of the global SABIS® Network. Students in SABIS® Network schools around the world are encouraged to strive for academic and personal excellence. The challenging SABIS® Educational System helps students, like Christin, around the world reach their full potential.
For more information about IPA, visit ipa.sabis.net. To learn more about the SABIS® approach to education, visit sabis.net.
