Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, September 17, 2014
(BEDFORD) - Eagle McFarland, a former fifth-grader from Stalker Elementary School, was chosen as the third-place essay winner by the Indiana Civil Rights Commission.
More than 300 students across Indiana submitted essays for a chance to win prizes that included free tickets to the third annual Civil Rights Game on Aug. 22 at Victory Field (Indianapolis Indians vs. Toledo).
Indiana students that participated were asked to submit essays no more than 500 words on "Why do you feel education is the civil rights issue of our time?"
After receiving an email from her superiors, about the essay, Amie Jahn, a fifth-grade teacher from Stalker Elementary School, assigned the essay contest to her students. She felt this would be a great opportunity to not only teach writing skills, but to also give students a chance to win free tickets to the Indianapolis Indians game.
In late July, and out of the blue, Amie Jahn received a call from the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, informing her that one of her students had been chosen as a third-place winner.
"I was in shock, and was about to say, I'm not interested," because she thought it was a telemarketer, " Amie said. "I was just so elated! All of the fifth-graders are just so phenomenal that I couldn't guess who had won." Then the caller said, "Third-place winner, Eagle McFarland."
Eagle McFarland's mother was puzzled by a call from Amie Jahn during summer break. School was out and Eagle was now considered a middle schooler. But the puzzlement was soon replaced with joy when Jahn shared the news.
In support, fifth-grade teachers, Tom McKnight, Jahn, and their families met up with Eagle McFarland and her family at Victory Field for the Aug. 22 game.
As a third place winner, Eagle received a signed Rowdie baseball along with six tickets to the third annual Civil Rights Game, and recognition on the field. After Eagle's name was called as the third place essay winner, and standing on the field she began to look around and stated, "I'm just trying to take it all in...so I can remember all of it. I realize just how important and awesome this moment really is."
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.