City of Ocoee announces Black History Month essay contest winners

The City of Ocoee recently announced the winners for its Black History Month essay contest. 

Hailey Smith, a 5th grader at Maxey Elementary School, beat out 145 other students to win the title of overall winner. 

Smith received a $400 Best Buy gift card for her efforts. 

First place winners received a $100 Best Buy gift card, second place received a $25 gift card to Target or Walmart and third and fourth place winners received certificates of recognition.

In addition, all of the honorees received gift bags with city promotional items, Chick-fil-A coupons and certificates of recognition.

Additional winners 

Citrus Elementary

Sajid Baksh (First)

Brooklyn Gibbs (Second)

Pauline Sylvestre  (Third)

HOPE Charter Elementary

Tessa Wilder (First)

Kate Robin (Second) 

Liam Fischer (Third)

Abbigail Darin (Fourth)

Maxey Elementary

Hailey Smith (First)

Riya Brijbasu (Second)

Azany Duan-Garcia (Third)

Ocoee Elementary

Samirah Elashhab (First)

Colton Cowles (Second)

Kinley Casey (Third)

Prairie Lake Elementary

Amiyah Ganesh (First)

Jeana Leandre (Second)

Kendyll Ruff (Third)

Renaissance Charter at Crown Point

Evee Tamikia Dowling (First)

Keyden Walker (Second)

Leilah Etienne (Third)

Elijah Magloire (Fourth)

Spring Lake Elementary

Cortland Wilcox (First)

Jared Chiesa (Second)

Aylin Herrera (Third)

Thornebrooke Elementary

Rathin Dayal (First)

Nadeshka Marrero (Second)

Aniyah Culpepper (Third)

Amelia Beaudet (Fourth)

About the contest

The essay competition is held each year for 5th grade students attending Ocoee schools.

To watch the Virtual Essay Awards Ceremony, visit Ocoee TV’s YouTube channel.