Alton Elementary Students Share Stories of Courage in Essay Contest

ALTON - Students at Eunice Smith Elementary School in Alton learned what it means to be courageous this month.

The students learn about a different character trait every month, but most recently, they were asked to write about “courage” and a time they were brave. Principal Christina Coy emphasized that activities like this aim to empower the students while building up their characters.

“They’re still learning who they are, and they’re learning these skills because they’re going to face this for the rest of their lives,” Coy said. “The big thing is for them to know they can do hard things. Even when they’re not feeling brave or they’re intimidated, they can still persevere through it.”

Second grade students Makayla Tran and Jari Absher won the essay contest, while younger students Lola Wortman, Blake Johnson, Zoey Roberson, Xahriyahna Grogan, and Raidyn Weaver won a coloring contest with a similar theme. Tran’s essay explained how she overcame her fear of the Ferris wheel, while Absher shared about when he pushed himself to try yams.

Coy noted that this was the first time the school offered an essay contest or similar activity for a character word of the month, but she anticipates they will continue this tradition because it had such positive results.

She added that the essays were “written beautifully,” which is “truly a testament to the teachers” who have prioritized writing skills in their classrooms.

The students at Eunice Smith learn the standards, like math and reading. But the teachers and administrators aim to go a step further to teach them life skills and character development. It’s important to Coy that her students get that holistic education.

Additionally, she hopes they feel empowered by experiences like this. As the second graders prepare to transition to the intermediate schools next year, she reminds them that they are brave.

“I always tell them, ‘The sky’s the limit for you. You can do whatever you set your mind to,’” Coy shared. “Next year, they go to the intermediate school. I want them to be able to say, ‘Okay, no, this can take courage, and I know how to do this.’ I don't want them to let anything get in their way.”

This Featured Article is sponsored by Alton Community Unit School District #11. To get your business or organization featured on www.Riverbender.com, contact us at sales@riverbender.com.

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