News - Norfolk Academy

Many NA Students Honored In Prestigious Elie Wiesel Writing Competition

Mar 27 2020

Nineteen Norfolk Academy students have been honored for their writing in the prestigious Elie Wiesel Student Competition.

The Holocaust Commission of the United Jewish Federation of Tidewater annually invites public and private school students in grades 6 through 12 from across the region to participate in the competition, named after Nobel Laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel (1928-2016). In his lifetime, the Romanian-born writer, teacher, and political activist wrote more than 60 books, including his renowned memoir, Night, which has been translated into 30 languages and has sold millions of copies.

The competition attracts hundreds of students, encouraging them in their exploration of moral courage, the dangers of prejudice, peer pressure, unthinking obedience to authority, and indifference.

This year, Sahib Chandi '20 received first place in the Senior Essay division for his work, I Believe in Humanity, but I Fear We Might Lose It. Katie Post '20 took third place in that same division for her work, Superheroes Speaking Up.

Laura Read '20 received second place in the Senior Poetry division with her poem, Paper Dolls; on Primo Levi’s Survival in Auschwitz. Anne Livingood '21 took honorable mention in that division with her poem, Knock – Knock.

In addition, a host of other Bulldogs were among the finalists, meaning their entries reached the top-15 in their categories and the competition’s professional judges discussed them.

Adeline Peterson '25 was a finalist in the Junior Essay category, which had a record 575 entries. Areen Sayed '24 was a finalist in the Junior Poetry category. Senior Essay finalists included Katherine Chang '20, Olivia Highton '20, Sean Miller '20, Lelia Ottinger '20, Madelynn Foley '20, Adam Knapp '21, and Sage Ambrose-Brydie '22. Senior Poetry finalists were Ethan Sorrell '20, Molly Ruffin '21, Nadine Thomas '22, Sarah Jacobs '22, Kenneth Whitehurst '22, and Micah Baum '23.

This is not the first time Norfolk Academy students have been recognized in the competition. Our school also earned multiple award winners in 2019 and 2018.

Congratulations, students!

To learn more about the abundance of academic opportunities Norfolk Academy offers for grades 1 through 12, please visit our website.