Imagine Scholars Underscore Social Justice in 2021 National Character Essay Contest

A Message from Imagine Schools CEO & President, Jason Bryant:

Imagine Schools 15^th Annual National Character Essay Contest came to a successful conclusion on April 8, 2021. We are proud of the many young Imagine Schools’ talented writers that participated in this year’s contest.

With 42 schools participating, and 173 entries, a panel of seventeen judges read and were inspired by essays that demonstrated an understanding of complex maxims related to this year’s theme of Social Justice. The judges awarded first, second and third place winning essays for each grade, and where appropriate, several additional essays received honorable mention.

We are grateful for your commitment to help students grow as writers and young people of character.

Third Grade:

1^st   Place:   Zara Jamil — Imagine North Manatee (FL)

2^nd Place:    Jad Alsabagh — Imagine Mountain View (NV)

3^rd Place:    Raegan Putz — Imagine Coolidge Elementary (AZ)

Honorable Mention:   Tosh Cavanaugh — Imagine Town Center (FL)

Fourth Grade:

1^st Place:    Christian Bumpas — Imagine North Texas (TX)

2^nd Place:   Sophia Schulz — Imagine Lakewood Ranch (FL)

3^rd Place:   Will Walsh — Imagine South Vero (FL)

Honorable Mention:  Makayiah Nelson-Smith — Imagine Hope Lamond (D.C.)

Honorable Mention:  Dylan Marshall — Imagine Hope Tolson (D.C.)

Honorable Mention:  Sophia Blacknall — Imagine Mountain View (NV)

Fifth Grade:

1^st Place:    Jonathan Guzman — Imagine Riverside Coachella (CA)

2^ndPlace:    Shruthi Sankar — Imagine North Texas (TX)

3^rd Place:    Xavier Barnes — Imagine Andrews (MD)

Honorable Mention:  Canaan Hill — Imagine North Port Elementary (FL)

Honorable Mention:  Kaylie Torres — Imagine Land O’Lakes (FL)

Honorable Mention:  Aiyanna White — Imagine Lincoln (MD)

Sixth Grade:

1^st Place:    Alesa Davis — Imagine North Port Upper School (FL)

2^nd Place:   Oria Buhbut — Imagine Plantation (FL)

3^rd Place:    Aiden VonKriegenbergh — Imagine Avondale (AZ)

Honorable Mention:    Hailey Alberts — Imagine West Melbourne (FL)

Honorable Mention:    Simren Baldwin — Imagine Prep Surprise (AZ)

Honorable Mention:    Nattasha Marie Gerardo Lopez — Imagine Riverside Coachella (CA)

Seventh Grade:

1^st Place:    Isabella Sanchez — Imagine Broward (FL)

2^nd Place:   Kaya Benjamin — Imagine Morningside (MD)

3^rd Place:    Cadence Worth — Imagine North Port Upper School (FL)

Honorable Mention:   Aubrey McClure — Imagine South Vero (FL)

Honorable Mention:   Jovannah Charles — Imagine Plantation (FL)

Eighth Grade:

1^st Place:    Melanie Varela — Imagine Desert West Middle (AZ)

2^nd Place:   Hunter B. Manning — Imagine South Lake (FL)

3^rd Place:    Azalia Staton — Imagine Lakewood Ranch (FL)

Honorable Mention:    Jeremiah Munson — Imagine Lincoln (MD)

Honorable Mention:    Nyobi Fleming — Imagine Palmer Ranch (FL)

High School:

1^st Place:    Bella Harper-Sanders — Imagine North Port Upper School (FL)

2^nd Place:   Stacey Nelson — Imagine North Port Upper School (FL)

3^rd Place:    Garrett Stark – Imagine Prep Surprise (AZ)

First, second, and third place winners will receive specially selected books on character, which are personalized and dedicated for each winner. First place winners will also receive personalized trophies. In addition, all winners listed above will receive certificates celebrating their achievements. School leaders are encouraged to recognize and celebrate student winners.

We are proud of your efforts to integrate character and academics in purposeful and meaningful ways!

Sincerely,

Jason Bryant

CEO & President

Imagine Schools

2021 National Character Essay Contest Judges:

Diane Beatty

Jason Bryant

Jacob Bryant

Vivian Edisis

Alex Fernandez

Jennifer Fornes

Karen Gayle

Nancy Hall

Marla Knepper

Aaron Logan

Nadja Pardo

Marisa Preuss

Barry Sharp

Anne Sharp

Stephania Sherman

Kathy Sullivan-Orton

Gabriella Vidak