Voices of Excellence

For the past three years, I have had the privilege of serving as a judge for the Big Read Writing Competition, a creative writing contest for grades 4-8. Each year, I would eagerly await my "stack" of more than sixty essays, anxious to experience the diversity of voices that represent the various regions of Missouri.

Soon, I started to notice that both the strengths and weaknesses followed a pattern, no matter where the writer lived. Wouldn't it be great, I thought, if we could talk to the writers BEFORE the submissions? What if the writer had the opportunity to actually present the essay?

Gradually, a program that I began to call the "Voices of Excellence" became an obsession. I found myself  considering ways to make it a reality.

During the month of July, with the help of the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society and its Alliance, as well as professional writers from St. Louis writers' associations, the first "Voices of Excellence" program was launched at Loyola Academy at 3851 Washington Blvd in St. Louis.

Approximately 46 students wrote and delivered essays. Nine winners enjoyed lunch at the 4th Floor Grill, and presented their winning essay at the Missouri Athletic Club on July 26 in the Hall of Fame.

The winners also received a trophy, a certificate of completion and a letter of congratulations from a physician at the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society. A cake was served and all students received a certificate of completion at an "all school" celebration on July 28.

Effective communication skills cannot be overemphasized. Moreover, the messages of these 6th, 7th and 8th grade students were powerful and deep. Their voices of excellence made good messages great.