LaNiya Chew and Trinity Shoultz, both eleventh-graders at Madison County High School, tied for first place in the essay category in February’s Black History Month Contest sponsored by the Culpeper Branch of the NAACP and the Madison County African American Historical Association. Both students researched family history to write their essays, which addressed the era of segregated schools.
LaNiya Chew interviewed her grandmother, Sandra, and wrote about her experiences as one of the first students to attend integrated schools in Northern Virginia in the 1960s. The judges for the contest stated: “LaNiya’s excellent essay reveals a journey into family history and a reflection on her own experiences as a biracial student, as well as those of her grandmother, who was among the first students to attend integrated schools in Virginia. The essay clearly documents the challenges that Black students faced in transferring to predominantly white schools with white teachers, often facing bullying and isolation. LaNiya’s gratitude and appreciation for the barrier-breaking experiences of her grandmother were especially touching.”
Trinity Shoultz interviewed her grandmother, LaVerne, as well, along with one of her teachers at Madison County High School. LaVerne Shoultz attended Radiant School and George Washington Carver Regional High School, both segregated. The judges noted: “Trinity’s essay thoughtfully considers the perspectives of two people with very different experiences as students. We especially appreciated the photos of Trinity visiting the Carver Regional High School building, where her grandmother graduated!”
The two juniors were presented with their awards at a special presentation and reception held at Antioch Baptist Church in Culpeper on March 19.
Top photo, l-r: Kaleb Hackley, NAACP Culpeper President; Sandra Chew; LaNiya Chew; Trinity Shoultz; LaVerne Shoultz; Dr. Mesha Jones, MCAAHA President
Center photo: LaNiya Chew
Bottom photo: Trinity Shoultz
