Penncrest Student Writers Honored By Rose Tree-Media Optimists

The Rose Tree-Media Optimist Club recently honored three Penncrest High School sophomores (rising juniors) who were winners of the Club's essay contest. Jennifer Angeline, Julian Heller and Ron Tyson wrote essays on the topic, "The Power of Youth."

First-place winner Angeline wrote about "Thon" events, marathons held at high schools and colleges to benefit children who are battling cancer. " 'Thon' events involve kids helping other kids," read Angeline from her essay. "Students are responsible for every element that goes into planning the three-day event."

Heller spoke on Penncrest's first Relay for Life event, held in May 2008. "The main message of 'Relay for Life' is to never give in to cancer," said Heller. "Whenever we felt like we couldn't go on in the relay, we realized that we had to be tough because cancer is a much tougher enemy! We were exhausted at the end but so proud of our school's accomplishment as the American Cancer Society's 'Rookie of the Year.' "

Tyson's essay focused on the concept of a ripple effect. According to Tyson, "Young people may not have a large effect in the turning of the earth, but every little thing we do to make a difference can affect the lives of thousands of people all over the globe, even if we ourselves don't know it."

The three students' English teacher, Susan Coates, said she did not read the essays before submitting them to the Optimist Club for judging. "The only advice I gave them was, 'Don't be ordinary with your essays,' " said Coates. "They did a tremendous job in capturing the topic of 'The Power of Youth.' They wrote about instances in which students got involved for what they could contribute that would make a brighter future, and not for what they would receive in return. I am very proud of them."

Angeline received a scholarship bond for her first-place entry.

Penncrest

With Optimist Club essay winners Julian Heller (second place) and Jennifer Angeline (first place) were Penncrest High School personnel, Assistant Principal Eric Bucci, English teacher Susan Coates, and Principal Richard Gregg. Missing from the photo were essay winner Ron Tyson (third place) and Rose Tree Media Director of Human Resources, Anne Callahan, and Director of Elementary Teaching and Learning, Angela Gilbert.