Roxboro Student Named Maltz Essay Contest Finalist

One Roxboro Middle School student has been named a finalist in a well-known local essay contest.

Soli Collins, an eighth grader, was selected as a finalist by the Stop The Hate: Youth Speak Out essay contest by the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.

The essays address a variety of issues, from cyberbullying and racism to anti-Semitism, and LGBT issues, and offer heartfelt and innovative solutions.

Collins was one of three finalists selected among eighth graders. Nearly 1,600 students from seven counties entered the contest, ranging from grades six to ten.

The students are competing for a total of $100,000 in scholarships and prizes. Finalists will be honored at an awards ceremony on May 2 at Severence Hall.

Jill Rembrandt, Maltz Museum director of education and public rograms, said she was "overwhelmed" by the teenagers' passion.

"Truly, we know that it is this generation of young people who will someday change the world,” Rembrandt said.