MMI students capture first place in annual Holocaust essay contest
(Freeland, PA – April 22, 2016) – MMI Preparatory School students Allison McGeehan and Abigail Walters captured first place in their respective divisions in the 21st annual Israel T. and Mildred Klapper Memorial Holocaust Essay Contest, which is sponsored jointly by the Hazleton Jewish Community Council and the Greater Hazleton Ministerial Association.
Allison McGeehan, a junior and the daughter of Thomas and Sandra McGeehan of Drums, was first in the high school division. Abigail Walters, an eighth grade student and the daughter of Teisha and Christopher Hardy of White Haven, finished first in the middle school division. Both students will read their winning entries and receive their awards prizes at the Hazleton Holocaust Community Service on May 4 at Beth Israel Temple in Hazleton. MMI English instructor Jennifer Novotney was the faculty adviser for the competition.
For the essay, students had to address the horrific acts of oppression that have been perpetrated in recent times, including the mass slaughters of tens of millions of innocent men, women and children during attacks such as the Armenian Massacres, the Killing Fields of Cambodia, the genocide in Rwanda and the Shoah against the Jews. Students were asked to write up to 300 words on what they would do to help prevent another Holocaust if they were in a position to effect change.
A panel of judges chosen by the Greater Hazleton Ministerial Association read each essay and selected the winners.
About MMI Preparatory School
For 137 years, MMI Preparatory School has been providing dedicated area students with a comprehensive and inspiring 6th through 12th grade college preparatory program that maximizes each individual’s academic, social and character potential in preparation for success in college and beyond. The school is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS). MMI is a school where every student can reach their full potential: academically, ethically and socially. For more information about MMI Preparatory School, visit www.mmiprep.org or call 570-636-1108.
MMI Preparatory School students Allison McGeehan, left, and Abigail Walters, right, captured first place in their respective divisions in the 21st annual Israel T. and Mildred Klapper Memorial Holocaust Essay Contest. Pictured with the students is Jennifer Novotney, MMI English instructor and faculty adviser for the contest.