Esperanza Academy Charter High School sophomore Sarah Santiago attended the Community Celebration and Essay Contest Awards Ceremony featuring Storyteller Artie Brown, Dr. King Re-enactor Jeremiah Thompson and live music at the African American Museum of Philadelphia on January 19th, MLK Day.
Santiago won 1st place in the Sharing the Heritage Writing Contest and was presented with an award and $200 from the African American Museum of Philadelphia and Citizens Bank Foundation. The AAMP honors Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by working with today’s youth to define Dr. King’s dream in terms that are relevant to today’s issues.
Reflecting on the life and legacy of Dr. King, the contest prompted high school students to consider new models for activism given recent events suggesting that there is still work to be done in achieving equal protection under the law for African Americans. Santiago, along with three other students, read an excerpt from her essay which was received with a standing ovation.
We congratulate Sarah and hope that Esperanza Academy students continue to be examples for academic excellence and advocacy in Philadelphia.