18 semi-finalists were chosen for the Thirkell Elementary MLK Expressions Contest - nine 2nd & 3rd graders, and nine 4th & 5th graders. Yesterday, IMU along with numerous volunteers traveled to Thirkell in Detroit, MI and spent the day working with each of these students on their stories and/or pictures in the Beyond Basics classroom. It was an absolutely wonderful, awe-inspiring experience for us! I wish I could do that every day! =)
Beyond Basics Program Director, Khadigah Alasry, had this to say about the day: "Thirkell students and teachers were very touched by the MLK Expressions experience. They loved having the oportunity to bond with a group as diverse as the IMU Inc. team. Everyone left our room with ear-to-ear smiles!"
The edited work completed by the kids yesterday will be judged by Dr. Clara Smith (Thirkell Principal), a Beyond Basics Employee, as well as Justin Winston (IMU Intern). One winner from each grade level (2nd/3rd or 4th/5th) will be chosen for both writing and art. Prizes include private coaching sessions with a professional author or artist for the writing and art submissions respectively as well as a compilation book with all semi-finalists' work. IMU will travel back to Thirkell during Black History Month (February) to announce the winners, present prizes, as well as host guests who lived during the Civil Rights Movement and will be speaking to the students about that time in history.
Take a look at photos from the event by hitting the View Gallery link below:
View Gallery »
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