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Barbara Jordan, Latino History Essay Competition Winners Announced

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Erica Saenz, associate vice president of the DDCE’s community and external relations, congratulates the two gold medalists: Carolyn Plein and Bhavesh Sayal

Talented young writers from high schools across Texas were honored at UIL’s Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition and the Latino History Essay Competition on Wednesday, May 25 at UT Austin.

The annual competition encourages students to research, interview and write about African Americans and Latino/as in their local communities, preserving their elders’ oral histories and inspiring exchange between the generations.

Winning essays are archived in the Briscoe Center for American History and the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection at UT Austin. The Briscoe Center was currently under construction, however the students were able to tour the Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, where their essays will be available for scholarly research.

“When you see the incredible collection that is housed at the Benson Center, I hope you’ll think about the contribution that you made,” said UIL Program Administrator David Trussell in his opening remarks. “Through your work you have joined a very important effort to shine the spotlight on the all too often overlooked contributions and accomplishments of African American and Latino citizens in Texas.”

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Winners of the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition

Founded in 1995 as an event sponsored by The University of Texas at Austin, the Barbara Jordan Historical Essay Competition moved to its new home with UIL Academics in 2011-2012. Below is a listing of the top six finalists.

  • First Place – Carolyn Plein, Leander High School
  • Second Place – Katrina Garcia, Center High School
  • Third Place – Bryson Urquidez, Weatherford High School
  • Fourth Place – Owen Walker, Burleson Centennial High School
  • Fifth Place – Erika Hernandez, Harlingen High School South
  • Sixth Place – Ishita Neeraj, Midland Lee Freshman High School
Winners of the Latino American History Essay Competition
Winners of the Latino American History Essay Competition

Founded in 2011 by the DDCE, the Latino History Essay Competition moved to UIL Academics in 2012. Below is a listing of the top six finalists.

  • First Place – Bhavesh Sayal, Cypress Falls High School
  • Second Place – Valentin Fernandez, Kaufman High School
  • Third Place – Hemma Uzoh, Harlingen South High School
  • Fourth Place – Cristina Trevino, Ann Richards School
  • Fifth Place – Victoria Quintanilla, PSJA Early College High School
  • Sixth Place – Micaela Garza Keyes, Harlingen South High School