
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage’s seventh annual “Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out” essay contest came to a close on Thursday night as drums rolled before the grand prize winner, Lea Kayali, a senior at Shaker Heights School, was announced.
Students from across Northeast Ohio (sixth through 12-graders) wrote their thoughts on how to end intolerance and indifference as part of the annual contest that awards $100,000 in scholarships.
The award ceremony took place at the Cleveland Museum of Art where Lea, who was among 10 other finalists, was competing for a $40,000 four-year college scholarship.
Each finalist was called to the stage to read their essay in front of the nine judges (which included a former contest winner and local community leaders) and more than 150 audience members who also got to vote for their favorite via text or print ballot.
Lea wrote about her interactions with others, stating “as an Arab-American in a post 9-11 world” she faces many discriminations, however, she hopes to counteract these perceptions by giving speeches about her experiences. She has become a leader in her school’s 300-member human relations club and also has branded herself with the hashtag #IStandWithPeace.
Her win will help her high school, as Shaker Heights receives a $10,000 grant toward an anti-bias program.
Also, two other finalists, Alexis Boone, senior at Glenville High School, and Apoorva Vallampati, junior at Aurora High School, won prizes for their essays.
Alexis received a $10,000 four-year scholarship for her essay about a former friend who committed suicide and became the inspiration for a poetry slam club, which helped others who are bullied, who witnessed a crime, or need support after losing a loved one to tragedy.
Apoorva, winner of a $15,000 scholarship, wrote about creating an Ambassador Program, which helps new students with the school transition after an experience with social isolation.
Editor’s Note: Look in the upcoming June 2015 issue of Northeast Ohio Parent magazine as we will be publishing Lea Kayali’s winning essay and provide more information on this year’s “Stop the Hate” contest and award ceremony.