The students from Mariner Middle and HO Brittingham Elementary were recognized for their award-winning work in a competition on human and civil rights in May.
The annual 2021 competition, sponsored by the Delaware State Education Association, was open to elementary through high school students in the writing, arts, and digital media categories. The future depends on what we do in the present.
The DSEA’s Human Rights and Civil Rights Task Force recognized submissions from students who focused on the importance of diversity and its impact on society.
In the Art category for fifth to eighth grade students, Mariner Middle students Riley Grooms won first place and Alex Barth won second place.
Riley’s colorful poster shows a young person holding a sign supporting gay rights, with other aspects of the poster advocating Black Lives Matter and denouncing racism. Riley said she developed the design because LGBTQ + people like her want equal rights, just like everyone else.
Alex created a wooden disc of earth to make a statement about environmental pollution. He said he made several rough drafts on his iPad before carving a 2 x 4 piece of wood into a disc. He said he primed it and then hydro dipped it before making cardboard continents.
“The lower side (red, black and gray) represents the future polluted earth and the upper half (green, blue and brown) represents the bright future and a clean earth,” said Alex.
Seventh grade English teacher Amanda Kilby said her students participate in the DSEA human and civil rights competition every year.
“It’s a great opportunity to highlight brilliant civil and human rights leaders past and present,” said Amanda. “My students love the choice of projects, be it writing, art, or digital media. This competition helps ensure that every child, regardless of their unique circumstances, can become what they dream of. I was incredibly touched by all of the submissions. My students have placed in all categories over the years. ”
Amanda’s son, HOB student Cam Kilby, took first place in the Digital Media category for students from kindergarten through fourth grade. Cam created a presentation that encourages people of all races to spend time together and work together to end hate.
“I want to help and improve the community so that everyone is treated equally,” said Cam.
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