The 6^th Annual Bessemer/West Jefferson Leadership Council's Career Essay/Oratorical Contest was  held at Westhills Monday, Feb. 1, 2010.  The local sponsors are Mrs. Valerie Simmons, guidance counselor and Mrs. Jo Day, gifted teacher.

 Students had to write a speech with the theme: A MIND IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE; AFRO-AMERICAN HERO AND HEROINE- PAST AND PRESENT.

 There are 3 divisions in the contest; Grades K- 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8.  The essays were about a hero or heroine that was important to the student and to society and has had an impact on the student.

Teachers practiced with the students, gave them advice on how to improve, etc.  The students came into the Media Center and practiced using the microphone and podium.

The following students participated in the school level contest:

Grades K-2  Iziah Lavender, Brandi Cook, Jordan Chatman, Nykia Greene, Kaddyjatou Jallow, Kalyn Quicksey

Grades 3-5 Latrissa Fuller, Jillian Jolly, Fatoumata Toure, Christen Bolling, JaMya Harris, Carlos Wilson, Latoria Fuller, Millenia Byrd, Janiah Bell, Jalen Chatman, Hailey Mason, Truitt Evans, Isatou Jallow, Christiana Bowen

Grade 6- Ciarah Kimbrough Dennis, Khadijah Muhammad

The following students placed in the school contest and will compete in the City Level Contest. It will be held Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. at the Bessemer Civic Center.

Grades K-2 Category

1^st Place- Iziah Lavender in Mrs. Amerson's kindergarten class

2^nd Place- Kaddyjatou Jallow in Mrs. Shade's 2^nd grade class

3^rd Place- Brandi Cook in Ms. McPherson's kindergarten class

Honorable Mention- Kalyn Quicksey in Mrs. Shade's 2^nd grade class

Grade 3-5 Category

1^st Place- Jillian Jolley in Mrs. Robertson's 3^rd grade class

2^nd Place- Carlos Wilson in Mrs. Robertson's 3^rd grade class

3^rd Place- Jalen Chapman in Ms. Perksin's 4^th grade class

Honorable Mention- Christen Bolling in Ms. Bramlett's 3^rd grade class

Grade 6-8 Category

1^st Place- Khadijah Muhammad in Ms. Kirk's 6^th grade class

2^nd Place- Ciarah Kimbrough Dennis in Ms. Kirk's 6^th grade class

Click here to see their photographs:

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