Press Release
The South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) and Dominion Energy are pleased to announce the winners of the third annual Strong Men & Women in South Carolina History student writing contest. One winner was selected from each of South Carolina's five regions: Central Savannah River Area (CSRA), Lowcountry, Midlands, Pee Dee, and Upstate.
The winners are:
- Grayson Fleury, Junior – North Augusta High School (CSRA)
- Jace Kraftchick, Senior – Oceanside Collegiate Academy (Lowcountry)
- La'Deja Williams, Junior – Richland Northeast High School (Midlands)
- Amari James, Senior– Wilson High School (Pee Dee)
- Isabella Whittle, Junior – Homeschool, Fort Mill (Upstate)
“What an incredible opportunity it is to showcase these five talented young writers,” said State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. “Thank you to all of the students who poured their time, energy, and thoughtfulness into their submissions, and a special congratulations to our five winners – Grayson, Jace, La'Deja, Amari, and Isabella.”
The contest, which builds on the South Carolina African American History Calendar, encourages South Carolina high school juniors and seniors to write a 500-word essay about a different topic annually. This year, students were asked to write about why they think it is important to learn the history of African Americans and their contributions to the state.
“These students did an outstanding of job of celebrating – in their own words – the important contributions and history of African Americans to the Palmetto State,” said Dominion Energy South Carolina President Keller Kissam. “We know that there are endless possibilities and potential within every school throughout this great state that we serve.”
Winners will receive an Apple MacBook Air, and their school or home school association will be awarded $1,000. View the winning essays: https://scafricanamerican.com/
