Alderman Collins Salutes Essay Contest Winners

I would like to salute all of the participants of the Collins Cares 1st Annual Essay Competition.  Students throughout Calumet City’s eleven schools were invited to participate.   The competition consisted of students in grades K-12, including special education students, writing an essay on the theme, “The Positivity of Pride”.

When asked about the competition, Alderman Collins stated, “In an effort to continue to encourage and offer support to our youth, I created this annual competition.  In choosing a theme, I wanted to find a topic that would challenge the student’s mindset.  In my opinion, a persons’ overall character is directly correlated to the pride that they have in themselves.  This “pride” transitions over into all facets of their lives, including their personal life and in their interactions with others.  I firmly believe that we must continue to challenge our children to aspire to great heights.  Furthermore we must help them to recognize that it begins with them.”

Every participant received a free kid’s meal or a free Pizza courtesy of Leona’s Restaurant.  They also received a certificate of participation.  The runner-ups received the above mentioned as well as trophies, which were sponsored byHarris Bank.  I provided the seven grand prize winners with 2 Penthouse Suite tickets to a Chicago Bulls home basketball game.  The grand prizes winners also traveled to the game via limousine.  Furthermore, the students were honored during a Calumet City Council Meeting.  “I will continue to work to cultivate the youth of this community.”  (Visit the 7th Ward Website To See Pictures From The Outing)

Special thanks to all of the participants.

Alderman Collins Salutes:

Trey Black

Zaporah Price

Ashley Stewart (Not Pictured)

Brianna Herard

Nicholas Bradley

Matthew Brooks

Javontae Davidson

Symone Taylor