Two Students Named Finalists in Maltz Museum's Stop the Hate® Contest
Seniors Zoë Schmidt and Abaeny Dek were recently named finalists in the Maltz Museum’s 2024 Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out Essay Contest. Over 4,100 students were part of the contest this year. Zoë and Abaeny are two of the eight finalists for Grade 12.
English Teacher Mr. Jon Pelegano shared the following about Zoë and Abaeny's essays: " Abaeny's and Zoë's essays are true embodiments of the CSJs' mission and courage in the face of injustice. They are both undoubtedly heroes who are, in the most genuine of ways, doing God's work. We should all be so inspired to stand up against prejudice and to not let fear control our actions when confronted with bias. To say that I am proud of Abaeny and Zoë is an understatement."
Zoë’s essay is about the bishop's policy on sexuality and gender identity, the wellbeing of students and the actions Zoë and her peers took regarding the policy. Zoë shared this reflection on being selected as a finalist: “To me, having my essay selected as one of ten finalists for the Stop The Hate Essay Contest is reassuring because that means our efforts were recognized and appreciated. I feel honored to be recognized along with my friend, Abaeny, and the other eight leaders who are working to be agents of change in their schools and community.”
The awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday, April 3 at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The grand prize winner of the contest will receive a $20,000 scholarship and $5,000 anti-bias education grant for the student’s school.
Congratulations, Zoë and Abaeny on being named finalists!
