Members of the San Quentin Richmond Project recently sponsored an essay contest at Leadership Public High School in Richmond. Through the contest they hoped to instill in students the importance of being involved in their community and to raise public awareness about the Richmond Project. The essays were read by a panel of Richmond citizens, including someone from the Mayor’s office, a clergy person and a teacher. Students wrote 200-500 word essays, responding to the question:

    If you were the mayor of Richmond, what three things would you change to improve your community?

The panel chose four inspirational essays based on the following criteria: overall effectiveness, overall focus and organization, overall control of writing mechanics, and overall creativity. Checks were awarded to the students with the highest number of points. Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and teacher Kelli Rice, who orchestrated the contest on the outside, presented the awards at Leadership’s Awards Assembly, June 10, 2011.  The winners were: First place, Daniela, second place, Sarah, and a tie for third place went to Edgar and Karina. All other participants were given Staples gift certificates. Following are the top four essays: