Three Thomas County Middle School students were recently named winners in the Jackie Robinson Essay Contest. Rosa Hurtado placed second, and Lauren Davis and Adariana Barber placed third.  The students were encouraged to enter the essay competition by eighth-grade Georgia Studies teacher, Charla Floyd.  

The 20th annual essay contest to win prize money and preserve Jackie Robinson’s legacy is an opportunity for students to learn more about Robinson, a champion for Civil Rights and a pioneer for human dignity.  Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier as the first African American professional baseball player.  

The contest was open to all eighth-graders, and students were asked to submit a typed essay of 300 words or less on the subject, “How has the life of Jackie Robinson made an impact on your life?”  All three students were awarded certificates and cash prizes for their achievements.  The awards were presented by Dr. Linda Walden, a physician in Cairo and cousin of Robinson. Walden is also the president and founder of The Jackie Robinson Cairo Memorial Institute.

Students are pictured below with Dr. Walden and their Georgia Studies teacher, Charla Floyd.