CARTHAGE, Mo. — Carthage Junior High Student John Satterfield has been named Runner-up for the national Optimum Hispanic Heritage Month Essay. Optimum, together with co-sponsor Televisa Univision, held its annual Hispanic Heritage Month essay contest to recognize and celebrate the diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of generations of Hispanic-Americans across the country. Satterfield was chosen as a runner-up from over 1,000 entries.
This year’s essay prompt was: In 500 words or less, choose a person (or group) of Hispanic heritage who have kept their community connected to one another, to their culture, or to those outside their community, and explain how. It could even be you!
Satterfield was recognized and presented his award at the Carthage Junior High Dec. 13, by George King, Communication Manager & Local Market Engagement for Optimum out of Mississippi.
“What an incredible honor and recognition for John,” said Dr. Mark Baker, Carthage School District Superintendent. “He exemplifies the diversity we embrace and celebrate in our school district.”
The contest was available to all middle and high school students across the Optimum service area. This year’s contest boasted a total of four Grand Prize scholarships of $3,000, which will be awarded to middle and high school winners within the Optimum 21-state footprint. Additional prizes will be awarded to finalists, and, for the first time, Optimum and Televisa Univision are introducing a gift for teachers who sponsor the highest number of essay submissions from their students. Eligibility requirements included the student must be a student in grades 6-12 who attends a school in the Optimum service footprint, student does not have to be Hispanic to apply, and student’s essay must be in English.
