Grade 7 Student Wins Second Place in BE INSPIRED Contest

By: Madison Weaver, Communications and Media Intern

Sewickley Academy Grade 7 student Georgia Cox earned second place in the youngest division of the Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania BE INSPIRED essay contest. 

Georgia’s thought-provoking essay focused on #femalechangemaker Ellen Degeneres, whose life and struggles she compares to Maya Angelou.

“Throughout the year, Georgia has shown enthusiasm and curiosity while discussing equity and inclusion in class,” advisor Ms. Jessica Hecht said, who suggested the contest to Georgia. “We briefly reviewed how to organize a five paragraph essay and just a few days later, she came in with a beautiful rough draft. It took resilience on her part!”

According to Ms. Hecht, Georgia was inspired after reading about Ellen DeGeneres and learning that, at one time, DeGeneres was unsure of who she was and who she loved without others judging her. Georgia writes, “Like Angelou, Ellen Degeneres tells us that being different doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have the same rights as others. Degeneres teaches us that you don’t have to get a prize for every good deed you do, but it’s the feeling you get while doing it. It’s the smiles you get to create and the happiness you give.”

The BE INSPIRED contest, which prompts students to consider the legacy of female changemakers, was presented by the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and open to all Southwestern Pennsylvania students in grades 6-12. This year, students wrote about “a female changemaker who embodies the legacy of Ms. Angelou and who demonstrates a strong commitment to social justice and equality,” according to the Coalition’s website.

Georgia and her family are invited to attend an awards ceremony on June 24, where Georgia and the other contest winners will have the opportunity to read portions of their work. Georgia's accomplishment will also be shared on the Coalition’s website and social media.

“Georgia did this on her own. Not for a grade. Not because she was assigned it. Not even because she wanted to win! She did it because it was an opportunity to explore something she is passionate about,” Ms. Hecht said.

Congrats Georgia, you’re certainly on your way to becoming a #femalechangemaker!
 
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