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
Ruby Bridges demonstrated incredible character and commitment by bravely integrating an all-white school as a young girl, standing strong in the face of adversity to pursue her education.
In your essay: Reflect on your own educational experience. What challenges have you faced outside of the classroom, and how have you persevered through them in order to succeed inside the classroom?
Compare your story to Ruby’s. How are your challenges and efforts similar to or different from hers? Why do you think so many in history, like Ruby, sacrifice and endure many challenges just for an opportunity to get a better education?
Be sure to: Share personal experiences or challenges in education that demonstrate your character and commitment. Explain how perseverance has helped you grow as a student and a person. Your essay should be at least three paragraphs and include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Feel free to do your own research on Ruby. There is also a Ruby Bridges film available on Disney+.
Guidelines:
Due Date: Friday, April 4, 2025
Minimum: 250 words
Maximum: 350 words
Font: 12pt. Time New Roman
“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
Ruby Bridges Resources:
Watch Ruby Bridges Share Her Story
Ruby Bridges, a living legend, shares her powerful story of bravery and resilience as the first Black student to integrate an all-white school.
In this video below, Ruby reflects on her experiences of loneliness and courage during a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement. Watch to learn how her actions changed history and continue to inspire generations.
"I Am Ruby Bridges" Read Along
In this video, you can watch a read-along of the book written by Ruby Bridges about her experience as the first Black student to integrate an all-white school."
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
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, Faculty, and Staff. Exciting prizes await each grade-level winner!