Congratulations to eighth grader Lexi Radzinski, from Heineman Middle School, for winning first place in the 4th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest this month! To honor Dr. King, the essay topic this year was “Honestly Confronting Racism.”
A member of Team 8-2 at HMS, Radzinski answered the question, “What can I do in my school or town to help end racism?” in her writing as part of a Literacy class assignment to make your voice heard.
The contest was sponsored by FaithBridge, a suburban nonprofit organization that encourages interfaith communication, understanding, cooperation, spiritual practice and action. In recognizing Radzinski’s essay, the organization wrote, “Your treasured opinions inspired us to feel that you are ready to make a difference in our area, by promoting the oneness of humanity, as exemplified by Lexi Radzinski’s words.”
“Racism can’t be cured from writing an essay, giving a speech, or even passing a law. It has to start from within each of us, and how we approach each day and every person we meet. It has to be cured with our actions, not our words,” Radzinski wrote. “It has to be cured by crossing the street to walk next to someone, not away from them. It has to be cured by rolling down the car window to offer a smile or a friendly wave. It can be cured taking the table next to someone that doesn’t look like you.”
As the first place winner, Lexi was awarded a cash prize and two free tickets to FaithBridge’s 7th Annual MLK, Jr., Interfaith Breakfast at D’Andrea Banquets in Crystal Lake on January 16, where she read her essay. Congratulations on making your voice heard, Lexi!
Read more about the contest in the Northwest Herald »
