Walking With Courage
Ruby Bridges and My Story of Perseverance
This essay contest is open to all middle school students in Riverside County School Districts.
Essay Prompt
Share your thoughts about the ideas expressed in the quotes by Ruby Bridges, shown below. Use your essay to demonstrate how you will use your education to change your community, society and/or world. What will be the indelible mark you leave behind?
In your essay, be sure to provide specific examples from your own life. Include insights, and personal reflections. Consider the impact of your actions, the value of learning through service, and the importance of fostering a sense of empathy, compassion, and responsibility towards others. Your essay should demonstrate critical thinking, empathy, and a genuine passion for community engagement and education.
“Don't follow the path. Go where there is no path and begin the trail. When you start a new trail equipped with courage, strength and conviction, the only thing that can stop you is you!”
-Ruby Bridges
“We may not all be equally guilty. But we are all equally responsible for building a decent and just society.”
-Ruby Bridges
Guidelines
Due Date: Friday, March 14, 2025.
- Minimum 250 words
- Maximum 350 words
- Please use 12pt. font
Finalists
Finalists will be invited to participate in a zoom interview with the UCR team in early April.
Prizes
All three winners and their families will be able to visit campus and have lunch with the UCR School of Education dean!
First place winner will receive a $200 prize
Second place winner will receive a $75 prize
Third place winner will receive a $50 prize
Ruby Bridges is a Civil Rights Icon, Activist, Author, Speaker. In 1960, when Ruby Bridges was only six years old, she became one of the first black children to integrate New Orleans’ all white public school system. Greeted by an angry mob and escorted by federal marshals, Ruby bravely crossed the threshold of this school and into history single-handedly initiating the desegregation of New Orleans’ public schools.
Incredible fact: In 2001, President Bill Clinton presented Ruby with the Presidential Citizens Medal.
You can learn more about Ruby Bridges' incredible legacy here