Sussex Academy students earn top finalist spot in Diverse Minds Writing Challenge

Sussex Academy seniors Lindsey Perez-Perez and Micaela Reyes wrote and illustrated a children's story for the Diverse Minds Writing Challenge. They have been selected as a Top Ten Finalist for the Delmarva Peninsula (Delaware and Maryland) Region Contest. The students will attend the Awards Presentation Monday, June 5, where the first place winner will be announced. The winner will receive scholarship money and become a published author.

The Diverse Minds Writing Challenge, hosted by B'nai B'rith International, is an education and awareness effort to promote tolerance and communicate a message of equality among all citizens, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender or sexual orientation. The goal is to destroy prejudices and strengthen the future of youth through creativity, inspiration and education.

The book, "Finding Home," submitted by Perez-Perez and Reyes is about a young boy trying to find a new home after his home was destroyed. Throughout his journey he encounters many obstacles, as many forest animals judge him by his appearance. At the end, he meets a butterfly that accepts him into her home. "The purpose of the book is to convey a message about the negative effects of discrimination and how acceptance can be learned," said Perez-Perez.

Sussex Academy is a public charter, tuition-free school centrally located in Georgetown. Serving grades 6-12, the school practices a project-based learning approach, and all grade 11 and 12 students participate in the International Baccalaureate program. For more information, contact Gina Derrickson, community and communications manager, at 302-856-3636 or gina.derrickson@saas.k12.de.us