The winners have been selected! Congratulations to Carmelita Clark from Detroit, MI for being the winner of the 2009 NovaNET Student Essay Contest and for the grand prize for a graduating senior and Debbie Cabrera from Reading High School in Reading, PA for being the grand prize underclassman winner.
Carmelita's winning essay gives a first hand account of how it's never too late to earn your high school diploma and work towards a college degree. In her own words, "It amazes me that I am finally on my way to accomplish one of my goals. Many thanks to NovaNET!" At 54 years old, Carmelita has been attending both day and night classes at the Puritan Adult Education Center since last fall to reach this goal. As a grand prize winner, Carmelita wins scholarship money to help pay for college in the fall as well as a trip to a Pearson-sponsored event where she can meet with other NovaNET teachers and share her story.
Debbie's essay tells the story of how taking NovaNET classes was one of the best decisions she's made so far. It's really helped her stay "in school and off the hook!" Debbie is happy to report that she is motivated on the road to success and achieving her goals. Debbie will win a laptop computer that will help her in her academic achievements.
In addition to our grand prize winners, this year we had an opportunity to review a group of exceptional essays making the task of selecting a single winner difficult. In light of the outstanding pool of entries, Pearson would also like to recognize the following students.
1st place: Ellen Miller, Liberty Hill High School, TX ($50 iTunes gift card and iPod)
2nd place: Iesha Davis, Buchanan High School, MI ($50 iTunes gift card and iPod Nano)
3rd place: Jeremiah Capps, Northview High School, IN ($25 iTunes gift card and iPod Shuffle)
And just for submitting an essay, we held a drawing for all entrants for four (4) $25 iTunes gift cards. Those lucky winners are:
