Page 47 - APRIL 2019 FOP MAGAZINE

Members Only Section
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15th District honors
Black History Month the write way
During the month of February, elementary school students learned about inspirational African-American figures who have made history with exemplary acts of courage, strength and leadership. As students listened to the amazing stories of his- toric figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, officers of the 15th District encouraged each young thinker to consider the people in their own lives who inspire them, and to share their stories on paper for the third annual Black History Month Essay Contest.
Officer Tonya Collins is one of many CAPS officers in 015 who developed the essay contest three years ago to help elementary students celebrate Black History Month by sharing appreciation for the heroes in their lives.
“It gives the youth something to look forward to. They know that they’re a part of something that the 15th District officers are running,” Collins noted. “They give us inspiration.”
Throughout February, 015 received more than 30 submis- sions from students ranging from fifth to eighth grades. But it isn’t just the students and officers who are involved in this ex- change of inspirational stories. Elementary school principals, CAPS officers, local business owners and even 015 Commander Ernest Cato III made up the panel of judges who were tasked with the difficult job of narrowing down the submissions to three winners.
On March 15, selected elementary school students hurried from school to the 15th District station to celebrate Black Histo- ry Month and receive award-winning recognition for their mov- ing essay submissions.
Contest winners included:
Azariah Baker, first place, shared appreciation for her grand- mother, who she has called “Mom” ever since she was taken in after her birth mother could no longer take care of her.
“My mom has the most patience I have ever seen,” Baker wrote. “Every day she undergoes so much, and I still come home to an excited greeting and the world’s largest hugs.”
Sariah Jones, second place, shared how much her aunt in- spires her to overcome hardships.
“My aunt teaches me on a daily basis to be strong and pray through life’s hard trials because they will only last for a short time,” Jones noted.
Chace Hunter, third place, describes his grandmother’s brav- ery and the lessons she has taught him.
“Her bravery taught me a lesson that no book could teach me,” Hunter wrote. “She taught me to appreciate my history, not fear it! She taught me to do what is right.”
In addition to the three winners, the 015 Black History Month Recognition Dinner celebrated 11 honorable mentions. Local businesses donated funds to provide each winner with a cash prize ranging from $25 to $100.
Students, parents, officers and members of the community
Officer Jermaine Harris hands out awards to the 15th District Black History Month Essay Contest winners and honorable mentions.
enjoyed an evening together honoring all the individuals who made the Black History Month Essay Contest such a success.
“The biggest thing is it shows partnership and trust,” Collins recognized. “It shows a level of commitment not only to us as police, but also our commitment to the students, parents and principals.”
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