McClellan Announces Winners of Annual Black History Month Essay Contest
Richmond, VA – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced the winners of her second annual Black History Month Essay Contest: Tanvi Palavalas, a student at Maggie Walker High School, and Augustus Rezba-Patel, a student at Albert Hill Middle School.
The competition aims to increase education and awareness of prominent figures in Black history. This year, the students wrote essays about the namesakes of Fort Gregg-Adams in Virginia’s Fourth District. High schoolers focused on the legacy of Gen. Arthur J. Gregg, the first Black Army officer to reach the rank of lieutenant general, and middle scholars focused on Lt. Col. Charity Adams Earley, the highest-ranking Black woman in the army by the completion of World War II.
“As Black History Month comes to a close, I was touched to read these essays, honoring fearless Black leaders who brought diverse voices to our nation’s military and had a connection to,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “Congratulations to the essay contest winners, and thank you to all the middle and high school students who participated for the depth and thoughtfulness of each of your submissions. I continue to be deeply impressed by the passion and determination of the next generation, especially by Tanvi and Augustus and their outstanding essays. Keep up the awesome work!”
McClellan also named the following winners:
- Second Place: Shatique Willis from Thomas Dale High School | Julia Jones from Albert Hall Middle School
- Third Place: Chris Qian from Maggie Walker High School | Ari Mallory from Brookland Middle School
The winning essays will be entered into the Congressional Record.