Two Queens middle schoolers turned the page on ordinary schoolwork and became award-winning writers after earning top honors in a district-wide book review contest celebrating National Reading Month.
Ashlyn Objio, an 8th grader at IS 141 The Steinway School, in Astoria and Giasemi Bournias, a 7th grader at IS 227 Louis Armstrong Middle School in East Elmhurst, were recognized as winners of Projekt NYC’s “Read & Write to Win” contest.
Objio was named Grand Prize winner for her review of “The Creeping Dogwood House” by Eden Royce. On April 11, she was presented with a cash prize of $250 at her school, along with a one-year subscription to The Week Junior Magazine. Additionally, her review will be submitted for magazine publication consideration.
Bournias was awarded Honorable Mention for her review of “Alone” by Megan E. Freeman. In recognition of her work, a one-year classroom subscription to “The Week Junior” will be awarded to a teacher or classroom of her school’s choosing. Her review will also be submitted to “The Week Junior Kids Press” for potential publication.
The “Read & Write to Win” contest was open to students in grades 4 through 8 across Queens’ District 30. The contest parameters required the youngsters to select a book from a curated list and write a two-paragraph review of their readings for the chance to win a cash prize and an opportunity to have their review published.
Projekt NYC received over 130 contest submissions, according to Ted Psahos, executive director of Projekt NYC. “It was a perfect opportunity to encourage reading for middle-grade students,” Psahos added.
The contest was sponsored by Tip-Top Brain, an award-winning Astoria-based learning center that provides engaging academic programs and enrichment experiences for students.
“In a time when so many students are disconnected from reading and writing outside of screens, opportunities like this are more important than ever,” said Ourania Liandrakis, Director of Tip-Top Brain. “We’re proud to support a contest that brings literacy to the forefront and gives students a chance to reflect, express, and shine.”
Projekt NYC is a nonprofit organization that connects kids and teens to various opportunities in the community service and creative fields.
