Aprille Russell (back left) awards Aaliyah Barnett, Azzara Kilpatrick and Michael King of P.S. 25 The Eubie Blake School as the first Evelyn A. Russell Scholars
Announcing the 2017-2018 Scholars
The inaugural Evelyn A. Russell Scholars were announced June 12, 2018 in an awards ceremony at P.S. 25 The Eubie Blake School.
The first prize winner was Azzaria Kilpatrick. Saliyah Barnett and Michael King tied for second place. Congratulations, scholars!
The Russell children reviewed the essays and were impressed by them all.
Saliyah Barnett brought historical references and citations into her essay. She was inspired by Helen Keller who, though blind and deaf, learned to read. Saliyah wrote, “I am here, sitting in school, not blind or deaf. I am as healthy as an athlete. I should be able to do exceedingly well in life. It takes one thing; reading. Helen did it, and I can do it too.”
Michael King wrote about the practical need for reading (to make sure one is taking the proper dosage of medication, for example). Michael also wrote about the imaginative power of reading, noting “Reading helps a person’s imagination go wild by helping them to visit places beyond their reach.”
Azzaria Kilpatrick described her earlier struggles with reading comprehension and how she has grown since then: “Reading has inspired me to be a better person in life, because it has expanded my knowledge and causes me to have a growth mindset.” What most captured the attention of the Russell family was the opening line of Azzaria’s essay: “Reading is like eating a delicious snack, when you eat your snack you never want to stop.”
Azzaria’s creativity stood out among the other well-written essays. “This essay seems really enthusiastic about reading,” said Adam Russell, the eldest of the Russell children, adding that, “It feels genuine and from the heart.” Aprille Russell and Aisha Russell agreed.
Many parents, aunts and uncles attended the school’s end of year awards ceremony, where students receive certificates and trophies for achievements in math, science and writing.
Aprille Russell addressed the audience, congratulated the winners and presented them with Visa gift cards. The children, parents and teachers responded with warmth and gratitude.
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Truly, it was an honor to recognize both our mother Evelyn Russell and the achievements of these outstanding students.
Thank you to all of the students who participated in the essay writing contest, the teachers for educating them in the art of persuasive writing and to Principal Anita Coley for making this all possible.