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Community Corner

SHS Awards African American History Prizes

Six SHS students were honored on April 16th as winners of the first-ever SHS Woodson Awards. The Woodson Awards were created this year to spotlight African American achivements and their impact on society. The schoolwide contest invited students to submit an entry in one of three categories: personal essay, art work or invention. Each category was named for an African American who gained fame in that respective field. The program was named for Charles Woodson, founder of Black History Month.

The Patricia Bath Award for Technological Innovation, named in honor of the renowned eye surgeon and humanitarian, went to Sam Price. Sam, a sophomore, entered a 4-player chessboard which he designed and built.

The August Wilson Essay Award was named for the two-time Pulitizer Prize winning playwright of the landmark "Century Cycle" which depicts African American life through all decades of the 20th century. This year's award went to senior Ethan Aronson for an essay on Ella Fitzgerald. Runner up was sophomore Tatiana Aliteri for her essay on growing up grateful in a post-Martin Luther King world.

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The Norman Lewis Art Award, named for the often unsung 20th century abstract expressionist, went to freshman Kiara Pires for her artistic rendition of an King quote. Runner-up was sophomore Gandolina Melhem brought to living color a Black Panther Party motto "All power to the people!" Third place went to 9th grader Lyla Hyman whose work focused on the theme of service. The artwork is currently on display in the SHS foyer.

Contest judges included SHS Library assistant Allison Jones, SHS art teacher Jeanine Lazzaro, Sharon Wicked Local reporter Paula Vogeler and freelance editor/teacher Rebecca Jackson. 1st and 2nd place winners received a year-long student membership to Boston's Museum of African American History. All winners received gift cards.

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