Student Combines Writing Skills, History Knowledge to Win Statewide Contest
![Student Combines Writing Skills, History Knowledge to Win Statewide Contest]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780056401/palmbeachschoolsorg/gusq6arqcboj650zf9xa/StellaGilliam.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780056401/palmbeachschoolsorg/gusq6arqcboj650zf9xa/StellaGilliam.jpg","width":400}])
The School District of Palm Beach County
Independence Middle School, located in Jupiter, is celebrating a major victory as sixth-grader Stella Gillam earned recognition for her outstanding writing talents.
Stella was one of the winners in the middle school division of the America250FL Essay and Art Contest hosted by the Florida Department of Education. The contest serves as a cornerstone event leading up to America’s 250th anniversary, challenging students across Florida to submit creative works inspired by the theme, "celebrating Florida's contributions to America."
Out of countless entries from Pensacola to the Keys, this Palm Beach County student’s cleverly titled essay, "Free Fallin’ Into History," captured the attention of the judging panel. The contest win comes with a major reward. Stella receives a two-year Florida College Plan scholarship, creating a path toward her future higher education goals.
The Florida Prepaid College Foundation provided scholarships to six elementary school students as well as eight middle and high school students who were winners in the contest.