by Allie Baker
Students from Elk River High School were honored at BestPrep’s Educational Forum on Nov. 10 as winners of a statewide essay competition based on Grammy award-winning singer, activist and humanitarian Angélique Kidjo’s book “Spirit Rising: My Life, My Music.”
Elk River students (from left to right) Jennifer Koehler, Emma Leither, Julia Abell, Taylor Nelson and Blake LaVallee were honored at BestPrep’s Educational Forum in November.
Thomson Reuters and BestPrep co-sponsor the essay competition. Second-place winner Emma Leither, fourth-place winner Jennifer Koehler and four other Elk River students were recognized for placing in the top 20 from out of more than 260 essay submissions. The other four were Julia Abell, Blake La Vallee, Taylor Nelson and Erin Klang, all with honorable mention.
The students and their teacher, Denise Green, were invited to a private reception with Kidjo and Rick King of Thomson Reuters at the Educational Forum in Minneapolis. The students were able to meet Kidjo and participate in a question-and-answer session with her.
The students’ essays reflected on the value of education, and Kidjo’s book was used as a jumping off point for students to consider the importance of education both domestically and abroad. The students specifically responded to two questions: What is the value of education locally and around the world, and What challenges do you face in your own educational journey?
When asked in what way this experience has developed her perspective on education, Julia replied: “This event has shown me how many aspects of our life education really affects. It’s not just about getting a career, it’s about your learning experience. It’s about teaching and sharing with others. It’s about your part in bettering your community.”
In regard to each of these students’ plans for their future, Emma said: “I discovered the importance of taking a global perspective and realized that I am passionate about tackling issues, such as education, on a global scale. In college, I hope to pursue further studies in international relations.”
For another student, other great plans await. “I now know I want to immerse myself in a career where I can work and communicate amongst people who share similar goals,” Taylor said. “I want to be a world changer, even if it changes the world for a few.”
Essays were read and judged by a panel of business and education volunteers for quality and creativity.
“Our judges were thoroughly impressed with the quality of the essays,” said Bob Kaitz, president and CEO of BestPrep. “The ideas and insights the students shared offer much hope for the future of Minnesota and the world.”
The awards presentation was part of BestPrep’s Educational Forum, which featured a dinner address from Kidjo for over 800 business professionals who, utilizing an audience response system, engaged in a question-and-answer session with Kidjo and General Mills CEO Ken Powell, with Jason DeRusha of WCCO TV as the master of ceremonies.
Proceeds from the Educational Forum will benefit BestPrep’s educational programs.
BestPrep’s mission is to prepare students with business, career and financial literacy skills through hands-on experiences that inspire success in work and life. To learn more about BestPrep or the Educational Forum, call 763-398-0090 or visit www.bestprep.org.