Students from Dollarway and Pine Bluff school districts won top awards during the National Alliance of Faith and Justice “Take A Stand To Keep Your Seat Drop In and Mentor Summit” at New Orleans.
The spelling co-winners were Parrius Hicks and LaQuita Johnson and the Old School and New School winners were Braylan Johnson and Brian Johnson, his father.
Interested Citizens for Voter Registration took students to the event July 16. ICVR King Team PEN OR PENCIL Youth attending the summit were Dynasti Alexander, Bui’Yon Sanders, Kiya Anderson, Jordan Sims, Elise Darton, Isaiah Solomon, Alexis Gipson, Rodney Tinzie, Kerrissa Gipson, Dionte Wilson, Pashu’ar Grissom, Bryson Withers, Diamond Harris, Moriah Houston, LaQuita Johnson, Seankecia Rafus, Crustal Smith, Callie Wade, Jaquarm Bryant, Darius Dickins, Jalen Dickins, Mykel Gates, Tyriek Hamilton, DaWayln Hampton, Parrius Hicks, Darion Houston, Braylan Johnson, Demetris Johnson, Austen McAfee and Jamarcus Peoples.
NAFJ conducted competition in spelling, history and talent with youth from cities across the country. Pine Bluff ICVR King Team were co-winners of the Spell It Like It Is “Spelling Contest” using words prepared by NAFJ.
Pine Bluff was the sole winner of the Old School New School contest and received $500 for a charity.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Competing in the spelling contest from Dollarway was Parrius Hicks and LaQuita Johnson. Jeopardy History contestants were Jordan Sims and Rodney Tinzie. Old School New School contestants were Braylan Johnson, student, and Brian Johnson, parent and a mentor who was also the choreographer. The King Team had the largest number of students to attend the national summit.
“We were extremely proud of our kids, but more important this is a positive for the youth of Arkansas and particularly in Pine Bluff, ” the Rev. Jesse C. Turner, ICVR executive director, said.
ICVR serves as Arkansas’ lead PEN OR PENCIL affiliate and Pine Bluff CARES Mentoring Movement affiliate. PEN OR PENCIL: Writing A New History is designed for middle school students.
Pine Bluff Alderman Irene Holcomb will recognize the students and their parents and mentors Aug. 6 at the Pine Bluff City Council meeting at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers at the civic center.