This year topic was bullying. The essay questions were: How would you define bullying? Give an example when you or someone you know was bullied. What can be done to stop and prevent bullying? Are there actions you can take to stop bullying?

A tough issue to consider. Hong and fellow middle school students Naomi Sheikh-Mohamed, Holly Swiglo and Alayna Weber responded the best. Their essays were selected from more than 90 submitted by middle school students from area schools in Roseville.

Hong is taught by Kelly Patrick and her essay citing Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas and her personal experiences being bullied.

Sheikh-Mohamed’s essay took second place. She is a seventh grader at Parkview School and is taught by Barb Hurley. Swiglo’s essay placed third. Swiglo is an eighth grader at RAMS and is taught by Patrick. Weber received honorable mention. She is a RAMS eighth grader and is also taught by Patrick.

Each year the Roseville Human Rights, Inclusion and Engagement Commission sponsors the essay contest. Commissioners evaluate essays based upon content and composition and select the best essays. Commissioners do not know who wrote the essays until after winners have been selected to ensure an unbiased review.

Copies of winning essays are available for review at www.cityofroseville.com/hriec.