Since February is Black History Month, for the February Junior Saints, students were invited to draw a picture of an African American woman or man who made history, and write about what they admire about that person.
Blessed Sacrament School, Washington,
“Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky on Jan. 17, 1942 and died on June 3, 2016. Muhammad’s birth name was Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr. When Muhammad Ali was growing up, he lived in a segregated area. That means he wasn’t allowed to use the same bathroom or eat at the same restaurants as white people… Muhammad discovered that he had a boxing talent. He was much faster than the other boxers his size. He later won a gold medal in the Olympics and became one of the greatest boxers in history. After retirement, Muhammad donated to charities, and he helped people. I admire him because of his determination. He was named the Sportsman of the Century by Sports Illustrated.” – Artwork and writing by Bruck Haile, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington, D.C.
“Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to serve on the United States Supreme Court. I chose Thurgood Marshall because as a lawyer, he stood up for African American people by arguing and winning 29 out of 32 cases in front of the Supreme Court. I would like to be like him, because he stood up for people, like I try to do. He also risked his life for other people to fight for civil rights, which I respect.” – Jeremy Ricciardi, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“Mae Jemison is the first African American female astronaut to ever go up into space. Mae was born on Oct. 17, 1956 in Dectar, Alabama. She loved to dance, but wanted to study science. Mae grew up watching the Apollo launches on TV, but was upset that there wasn’t a female astronaut. She graduated from college with a medical degree and a degree in chemical engineering before applying to be an astronaut. She is fluent in Russian, Swahili and Japanese. What I admire about Mae Jemison is that she became the first African American female astronaut to go up into space, and she never gave up on her dreams.” – Mela Asrat, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I admire Amanda Gorman because she is an amazing person. I look up to Amanda because she is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history. She read a really beautiful poem called ‘The Hill We Climb,’ and she has written a few books. Amanda has a speech impediment that makes it difficult for her to pronounce some letters. She shows me that you can overcome obstacles if you try. I think she is a wonderful person and a great role model. I hope to be just like her when I grow up.” – Artwork and writing by Lila Peppo, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“What I admire about Rosa Parks is that she was very brave. She was an amazing person. She was so brave because one day she was on the bus, and back then when you were on the bus, if you were Black, then you had to give up your seat to a white person if they wanted that seat. She refused to give up her seat to a white person, and then she went to jail. It was very brave of her to do that and to stand up for herself. When I am older, I would want to be just like her and do what is right. I also want to be as brave as her. That is why I admire Rosa Parks.” – Keeley Doyle, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I admire Ruby Bridges because she was brave. She was the first and only Black student in William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans in 1960, and many white parents pulled their kids out of school because of her. She didn’t let that get in her way, she persisted. Ruby was the only student in her school for days and had to walk through an angry mob every day just to get to school. Only one teacher was willing to teach her, and Ruby had to be escorted to the bathroom by U.S. marshals to keep her safe. She was so courageous even though she was so young and is an example to us all.” – Orla Hurley, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“Jackie Robinson was the first ever African American Major League Baseball player and he was really good, too. He was born on Jan. 31, 1919 in Georgia, but he grew up in California. Robinson was also a great tennis player. He served in the Army in World War II. He started his MLB career on the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. He faced a lot of racism but was named Rookie of the Year. In 1962, Jackie was the first African American inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Each year on April 15, Jackie Robinson Day, Major League Baseball allows all players to wear 42, his number. Jackie Robinson was a true American hero who inspires a lot of people.” – Jack Schlegel, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I admire Venus Williams, because she is a very talented tennis player and she has won many tournaments, awards, and Grand Slams. She has overcome many challenges in her life and has proven that she might even be one of the best female tennis players in the world. She has five siblings and played tennis from a young age. She grew up in Compton, California. Venus came from a lower-income neighborhood, and she had to work very hard to overcome the challenges in her life. She trained very hard all her life, and it paid off when she won seven Grand Slams and many awards.” – Artwork and writing by Monica Bruno, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I look up to and admire Serena Williams, because for many years I have loved tennis a lot. I really enjoy playing with my dad. My dad and I would watch Serena Williams play on TV. Serena Williams is an awesome tennis player, and she is also a great person. She donates a lot to charity while having all this fame. Serena Williams is very confident and is a great athlete, so she is inspiring.” -- Artwork and writing by Dina Mezgebu, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
“I admire Willie O’Ree, because he was the first African American to ever play hockey in the NHL. I also admire him because this shows that anyone can play a game, no matter the color of their skin. Hockey is also my favorite sport. I think Willie O’Ree is courageous, because it must have been hard to be the first African American to play any sport. I look up to him, because there was a lot of discrimination when he played, and he was able to focus on playing the game. He is in the Hockey Hall of Fame and has won the Lester Patrick Trophy, which I think is really cool.” – Cal Sanders, fifth grade, Blessed Sacrament School, Washington
Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“I admire Westley Law, because he helped stop segregation to make all people equal, which is my goal. I try to keep life fair… I wish I could fix the past, but I can’t. I just love his story and how he made everything fair…” – Artwork and writing by Kalina Dillard, fourth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“…Martin Luther King Jr. is known for his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. He did peaceful protests. He was the youngest person to receive a Nobel Peace Prize. He refused to let segregation control him. He did a peaceful march to Washington, D.C., and presented his famous ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. I admire him because he stood against what is wrong and didn’t let it control him. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968.” – Stella Bailey, fifth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Mary McLeod Bethune was a teacher and a civil rights activist. She was born with parents who were (formerly) slaves… She went to school to become a teacher and became one of the first women to be the president of a college.” – Charlotte Adams, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“What I admire about Ray Charles is he was blind, and he still played the piano for everyone to hear, and I think this inspired other people who might be Deaf or blind or other things, to not give up and not let that hold them back from doing what they love. He inspires me to never give up on something because something else is holding you back now, have faith, keep going, and Ray Charles is a great example of that.” – Artwork and writing by Harper Hutchins, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Frederick McKinley Jones patented the idea for keeping perishable food cool when in transport. He was an orphan raised by a Catholic priest and dropped out of school when he was 11. Frederick worked as a mechanic and taught himself electronics. Hie patent changed how food and medical supplies like blood and medicine are transported. In 1991, Frederick McKinley Jones was award the National Medal of Technology, posthumously.” – Violet Klasko, seventh grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Mae Jemison was the first Black woman to go to space… I admire how despite troubles and discrimination, she still persevered. She had a goal from early on and worked hard to achieve it…” – Artwork and writing by Carissa Dioguardi, sixth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
“Wangari Maathai is an inspiration for many reasons. She was a leader, human rights activist, and was passionate about environmental conservation. Wangari Maathai attended the University of Nairobi, and in 1971, she was the first woman in east and central Africa to earn a doctorate. Part of the reason she is so passionate about environmental conservation is because of her tribe, which is known for having a deep rooted connection with the land. Wangari gathered a bunch of women to help plant trees at farms, schools and church compounds, and they planted over 20 million trees. In 2004, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.” – Melanie Mayer, eighth grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
Harriet Tubman, artwork by Isabelle Mekonnen, third grade, Our Lady Star of the Sea School, Solomons
St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I drew poet Amanda Gorman, because she is so young, yet causes so much change. She is so inspiring because she can teach young kids to chase their dreams, and even though they are really young, they can cause big change.” – Artwork and writing by Sophia Delaney, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“Muhammad Ali was a fighter. But he was also a peace-maker. I admire that he had to work so hard in school and in his boxing career. He also worked hard after his boxing career ended to create peace in the world and to create an easier learning path for children with special needs.” – Jack Dubinsky, sixth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“I chose Simone Biles because she is one of the most accomplished and dominant gymnasts of all time. She has combined 32 Olympic and World Championship medals. Her seven Olympic medals ties her with Olympian Shannon Miller for the most Olympic medals for an American gymnast. In 2018, Simone Biles was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Recipients reflect the spirit of Arthur Ashe, possessing strength in the face of adversity, courage in the face of peril and willingness of standing up to their beliefs. She showed the world her talents and had a lot of courage, and that is why I chose her.” – Claire Schreiber, sixth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“Barack Obama was the first African American president. I admire his courage.” – Artwork and writing by Daniel Delaney, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“Martin Luther King Jr. was a person who really cared for white people and African Americans to live in harmony, in all his famous speeches he always spoke about the importance of being united. He was an excellent leader to so many people, and so many people admired and were inspired by his words. One of the many reasons that I admire Martin Luther King Jr. is because he never fought physically, he fought with marches, speeches, and his words, also he never gave up on the idea that segregation should end. Today Martin Luther King Jr.’s words and actions still live on, and he is one of the most famous civil rights leaders.” – Crista Beuermann, fifth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
"Someone I admire who made a difference is Madam C.J. Walker. I admire that she endured many hardships but kept on going. I also admire her because she made so much money, but she used it all for philanthropic purposes. She gave a lot of her money and riches to charity and schools. She also made history by being one of the first Black self-earned millionaires. She was very inspirational, which is why I look up to her.” – Coco Chiu, sixth grade, St. Bartholomew Catholic School, Bethesda
“Graviola Ewing was born on Sept. 6, 1930, and passed away on March 27, 2020. She was the first Guatemalan-born African-American Latina to compete in the women’s 100 and 200 meters in the 1952 Helsinki Olympics. She also participated in several Latin American and Caribbean games for various running events.
“I chose to write about Graviola for two reasons. Number one, she was my great aunt, who was the sister to my grandmother. Number two, my Tia Graviola, as I liked to call her, is still very important in our family as she continues to inspire the family’s younger generations to participate in sports. I admire Graviola because she was a hard-working, independent woman who never gave up. Those great qualities helped her achieve her goal of becoming the first African-American Latina to participate in the Olympics.” – Artwork and writing by Ashley Sosa, seventh grade, St. Bartholomew School, Bethesda
St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Shirley Chisholm was the first Black woman in Congress, elected in 1968, and the first Black person and woman to try to run for president. I really like her for her work. She spoke at many events and was morally against development of weapons used in war. But she was also a civil rights activist and part of the NAACP, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She also founded the National Women’s Political Caucus. I am inspired by her devotion. Even after losing (her run) for president, she still went on. She died in 2005.” – Artwork and writing by Madison Pleta, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill, Maryland
“I admire LeBron James because he is number one on the scoring leader board. I think he is the best basketball player. He inspires me to play my hardest in games.” – Nikolai Rodriguez, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“What I admire about LeBron James is, even though he came from a small town in Ohio, he always did his best. So he was able to make it! His life is proof that anything is possible if you work hard and put in the effort. He is truly the G.O.A.T., the greatest of all time.” – Artwork and writing by Cortland Brown, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“B.B. King was an American blues singer and songwriter, guitarist and record producer. He is one of the most influential blues musicians of all time, earning the nickname ‘The King of the Blues.’ He was a mentor to many famous guitarists, including Jimi Hendrix. His style inspired many to learn the instrument.” – Gavin Smit, eighth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Harriet Tubman helped people escape slavery. Harriet was part of the Underground Railroad.” – Lianna Gonzales, seventh grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Muhammad Ali inspires me to never give up, believe in your dreams, respect your beliefs and to work hard. Muhammad Ali had a suspension in boxing for two years and came back, and became the heavyweight champion again. He is the first boxer to win the heavyweight championship three separate times. I learned from Muhammad Ali that I can do anything, and always work hard.” – Angel Peterson, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“(Baseball star) Maury Wills inspires me, because first, he is my cousin. Second, he was an amazing athlete. He inspires me to keep working hard to achieve what I want to achieve.” – James Wills, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
“Aretha Franklin inspires me, because all of her songs impacted the world. Her songs showed how she wanted equality in the world. Her songs showed the struggle of civil rights and women’s rights. She influenced the world to celebrate our differences, face our challenges and share equality. We all need to show respect to everyone, and we need to show equality to everyone.” – Artwork and writing by Hayleigh Estrella, sixth grade, St. Columba School, Oxon Hill
St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“I admire Martin Luther King Jr. because of how strong he was. He had the courage to do what was right. He called all people equal. Whenever I think of Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded that we are all made in the image and likeness of God. I am reminded that we should care for everyone the same as everybody else.” – Artwork and writing by Sofia Asso, seventh grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville, Maryland
“I admire Simone Manuel because I’m a swimmer like her. She qualified for the Olympics in Rio in 2016. Her dedication and work is inspiring, and she is really someone I can look up to as an athlete.” – Gemma Barish, eighth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
“I admire Harriet Tubman’s courage. She risked her life countless times to save others from slavery in acts of bravery and selflessness. We should all strive to put others first as Harriet did, even if our acts are small ones.” – Artwork and writing by Amalia Grace White, sixth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
Drawing of actor Chadwick Boseman as the Black Panther, “a great actor and a great person. R.I.P. Legend.” – Artwork and writing by Anthony Carbajal, eighth grade, St. Jude Regional Catholic School, Rockville
St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“For Black History Month, I chose to draw Isis Gaston who is also known as ‘Ice Spice.’ Ice Spice was born on Jan. 1, 2000, and was raised in the Bronx in New York City by her Dominican mother and Nigerian father. When she was two years old, her parents divorced and both became very busy with their jobs, which resulted in her spending most of her time with her grandparents and cousins. From a very young age, Ice Spice gained a love for hip-hop and rap, because her father was an underground rapper. She began writing poetry and freestyle raps from middle school to high school. Ice Spice is inspiring because she is a woman rising to fame in an industry that isn’t very kind and is still pretty much a male-dominated space. She is unique and talented. She has created a name for herself in the industry, and is only getting increasingly popular on social media and everywhere. She has been dubbed the ‘New Princess of Rap’ and has hopes to become a mainstream artist who can obtain diamond records, plaques and Grammys. She works hard and looks effortlessly fabulous with her signature ginger hair while doing it all.” – Artwork and writing by Lindsey Rivadeneira, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills, Maryland
“Michael Jackson has inspired me since my childhood. He had been an amazing singer and talented dancer. The way he moved throughout the stage when he performed inspired me very much to want to be able to dance better. His songs made me so happy whenever I listened to him, and every time he did the moonwalk, I would try my best to copy (his moves)…” – Artwork and writing by Amolen Shadzeka, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Kylian Mbappé is a Cameroonian and French professional soccer player who plays for the France national team. Mbappé inspired me through his youth development, determination and philanthropy. He rose to prominence as a teenager, and this has inspired young players around the world to work hard and strive for success at a young age. His success on the field reflects his commitment and hard work. Many individuals have been motivated by him to pursue their dreams and not be discouraged by obstacles. Mbappé is active in charitable work and has used his platform to raise awareness for important causes, such as assisting children in need. Many individuals have been encouraged to become involved in their communities and make a difference as a result of this.” – Artwork and writing by Lukas Berhe, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“Samuel Eto’o is a Cameroonian soccer player who played from 1997 to 2019. I admire him because since we are both from the same country, he inspired me to play soccer. Eto’o was a fast and energetic player who was known for his hard work. He played with the likes of Lionel Messi and Ronaldinho, and he is Cameroon’s top scorer with 56 goals and the leading goal scorer in the history of the African Cup of Nations with 18 goals. He is now currently the president of the Cameroonian Football Federation. I admire what Eto’o has done for the sport of soccer in Cameroon and aspire to be like him on and off the field.” – Artwork and writing by Maya Pefok, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
“I admire Ruby Bridges. She is an inspiration to have enough courage to step into a school for white people even though they were protesting to her face that she shouldn’t, but she didn’t care and kept walking to her class. She has impacted many people’s lives, both men and women, but to me, she is a hero, and I wonder what would happen today if she had not taken that big step.” – Lupita Torres, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Landover Hills
St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of NASA engineer Mary Jackson by Destiny Dudley, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown, Maryland
“I really admire Katherine Johnson. She was a research mathematician for NASA and was a part of many space expeditions, like John Glenn’s orbits around the Earth. Despite the color of her skin, she proved that race didn’t matter when everyone is trying to reach one goal. At the time of his flight, John Glenn personally requested that she do the math for landing when the new technology kept giving different numbers. She faced many challenges when she was asked to work in an all-white building, like getting coffee. But she faced the adversity and was a valued part of NASA for the rest of her career.” – Isabelle Strutt, eighth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Drawing of Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first Black woman to earn a medical degree in the United States, by Ashlyn Lagana, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Thurgood Marshall was known for being the first African American on the Supreme Court. He was also known for his efforts to get rid of segregation in the United States. I admire what he did for civil rights and what he did to desegregate the United States.” – Jeremiah Douglas, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“In her seventies, Mary Eliza Mahoney was one of the first women to register to vote in one of the country’s most influential cities, Boston. She celebrated the passing of the women’s right to vote in Boston and catapulted to national fame. Lastly, Mary Eliza Mahoney was the first Black nurse in America. Her quote was, ‘Work more and better the coming year than the previous year.’” – Lily Kranke, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
Henry Brown, known for his dramatic escape from slavery, artwork and writing by Addison Lewis, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“Alice Coachman was the first Black woman from any country to win an Olympic medal. When she was growing up, her father would discourage her from playing sports, however, this didn’t stop her. By seventh grade, Alice was one of the best runners in Albany, Georgia, for boys and girls. Alice didn’t have equal access to training facilities until she was given an opportunity to practice with the high school team. When Alice was 25, she competed in the Olympics in London in 1948 and set a new record in the high jump. I admire the dedication and courage she had to pursue her passions, even when people discriminated against her.” – Gigi Stefko, seventh grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I admire how Mae Jemison did not turn away from her dream. No matter what, she kept with what she wanted to do… (and she became) the first African American woman in space.” – Artwork and writing by Hayden Robertson, sixth grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
“I admire Martin Luther King Jr. because he accepted everyone.” – Brennan Sappington, first grade, St. Mary’s School, Bryantown
St. Michael’s School, Ridge
Third graders at St. Michael’s School in Ridge, Maryland, illustrated themes from Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.
Drawing by Ashley Quinonez, third grade, St. Michael’s School in Ridge, “Walk together as sisters and brothers”
Drawing by Britton Elwell, third grade, St. Michael’s School in Ridge, “Let freedom ring”
Drawing by Andrea Escobar-Roma, third grade, St. Michael’s School in Ridge, “Walk together as brothers and sisters”
Drawing by Emily Martinez-Sanchez, third grade, St. Michael’s School in Ridge, “Walk together as brothers and sisters”
Drawing by Karelly Ponce-Moreno, third grade, St. Michael’s School in Ridge, “Judged by the content of their character”
St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
“Maya Angelou was a poet, dancer, singer, activist and scholar. She was best known for her innovative autobiographical writing style. Marguerite Annie Johnson was born on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis. Angelou’s fascination with the written word and the English language began at a young age. Throughout her childhood, she wrote essays, poetry and kept a journal. When she returned to Arkansas, she became interested in poetry and memorized works by Shakespeare and Poe… What I admire most about her was that she was one of the world’s most influential writers and activists. She led an extraordinary life, rising from poverty, violence and racism to become a world famous poet, playwright, writer and civil rights activist (collaborating with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King).” – Artwork and writing by Charmaine Nguyen, sixth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf, Maryland
“Michelle Obama is an attorney and author who served as first lady of the United States from 2009 to January 2017 as the wife of former President Barack Obama.” – Charlotte Nguyen, fifth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States and the first Black president, artwork by Mya Waring, eighth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
“Kobe Bryant was an amazing basketball player. He encouraged donations to “Make a Wish.” Bryant also reached out to students who sought financial aid.” – Laila Mills, sixth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
Carter G. Woodson, whose work helped lead to the establishment of Black History Month, drawing by John Sabado, seventh grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
Black leader and political activist Marcus Garvey, drawn by Riley Griffea, fifth grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
“Shirley Anita Chisholm was an American politician who in 1968 became the first Black woman to be elected to the United States Congress. Chisholm represented New York’s 12th congressional district for seven terms, from 1969 to 1983.” – Artwork and writing by Chloe Halsey, third grade, St. Peter’s School, Waldorf
St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Sister Thea Bowman was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi in 1937. Her birth name was Bertha Elizabeth Bowman, which was changed to Thea when she joined the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. After taking vows with her order, she earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Sister Thea Bowman spent the rest of her life spreading her love joy, culture and freedom. She died of cancer in 1990.” – Artwork and writing by Aurora Stoute, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie, Maryland
“I like how Sister Thea Bowman didn’t start out as a preacher or something of the sort. She started her journey as a teacher, an ordinary job as an ordinary person. After 16 years of teaching, she became a consultant for intercultural awareness. She could teach others about God through presentations… She once said, ‘God is the way-maker and burden-bearer, a heart-fixer and a mind-regulator… God is my all in all, my everything.’ This quote shows her devotion and love for God. She is a very notable African American woman.” – Sebastian Righi, sixth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Minnie Riperton was a Black American singer. She lived from 1947 to 1979. She grew up in the South Side of Chicago. In Minnie’s teen years, she sang the lead vocals for a girl group called the Gems. Her affiliation with the Chicago-based Chess Records gave her the opportunity to sing the back vocals for various artists. Minnie reached the apex of her career with her number one single, ‘Lovin’ You.’” – Artwork and writing by Christina Harris, sixth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Ketanji Brown Jackson became the 116th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022. I admire Justice Jackson because she still continued with her dreams of going to Harvard Law School, even after her guidance counselor told her ‘not to have high hopes.’ She graduated magna cum laude and was an editor of the Harvard Law Review. She was always a high achiever and was student body president in high school.” – McKenzie Bogley, sixth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“I admire Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space. What I admire about Jemison is her courage, the courage and determination to go through with the brutal training for a space mission. Not knowing what could be up there, she still took the chance. Jemison’s determination and courage helped her get into space.” – Artwork and writing by Amarachi Oleru, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Malcolm X is an African American man who I admire. He is known for being a leader in the Nation of Islam and for being a prominent civil rights activist. Although he wasn’t always the most peaceful, he fought for what was right. He was willing to get equal rights by any means necessary. This determination for freedom from unfair treatment is why I admire him.” – Kronkron Onumah, eighth grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Josephine Baker was a famous dancer and unsuspected spy in World War II who took secret photos of Nazi bases. She also hid Jewish people hiding from persecution and execution. She entertained Allied troops in North Africa. She was awarded the Croix de Guerre (a military decoration given by France) after the war, and she continued performing. In 1963, she was at the March on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr. She was the only woman to give a speech.” – Olivia Beckies, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
“Faith Ringgold is an African American painter whose art works better for us people. It talks about the racial things that have happened. She tells about the injustice in the lives of Black people. Her art has inspired many for years. Today, she is still making art for all to see and understand.” – Artwork and writing by Kyla Hill, seventh grade, St. Pius X Regional School, Bowie
Next month’s Junior Saints
March is Women’s History Month. For the March Junior Saints, students are invited to draw a picture of a woman who made history, and write about what they admire about her. The drawings and writings should be emailed to mark@cathstan.org by Friday March 17, 2023 to Mark Zimmermann, the Catholic Standard's editor, and they should include the name, grade and school or parish of the student printed clearly.
Due to time constraints involved with reviewing the volume of submitted work, it is requested that schools or parish religious education programs limit their entries to 10 drawings and 10 writings from their students. The best formats to send are jpegs for artwork and word documents or pdfs for writing, if possible. Thank you!
