Lauren Duncan, a North Point High School senior, submitted the winning essay in the annual Black History Month essay contest sponsored by the Diversity and Equal Opportunity office at the College of Southern Maryland.
Duncans essay, titled From Dream to Change, discussed the fulfillment of Dr. Martin Luther Kings dream of equality and justice for all Americans. Dr. Kings dream of equality and justice has absolutely been fulfilled because of the election of President Barack Obama. Obama is truly the definition of change because he is a symbol of this transformation in America, wrote Duncan in her award-winning essay.
Duncan, who moved from California to Maryland in the sixth grade, has been fascinated with Dr. King since that time. He started the African-American rights movement. He is one of the most historical figures in my eyes, she said.
As the winner, Duncan receives a $500 performance award towards her attendance at CSM. The essay contest was open to all Southern Maryland high school juniors and seniors. The essay submissions were judged on content, clarity and coherence.
Duncan plans to major in arts and sciences and will begin taking classes this summer at CSM. She is also eager to continue playing volleyball as a member of CSMs volleyball team. After earning her associates degree, she wants to continue her education at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina. Her career goal is to become a marine biologist. In her spare time she enjoys playing sports, attending school events, and spending time with family and friends.
A regionally accredited community college that provides programs and services with a special focus on local workforce development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and community, the College of Southern Maryland is a two-time silver level recipient of the Maryland Performance Excellence Award. CSM, founded in 1958, is the fifth largest community college in Maryland with campuses in Calvert, Charles and St. Marys counties. For information about CSM, call 301-934-7765 or 301-870-2309, 240-725-5499 or 443-550-6199, Ext. 7765 or visit www.csmd.edu.