Senior Annie Dizon and Junior Savvy Dreas were named two of the top three finalists for the 2023 TEAM (Together Effectively Achieving Multiculturalism) Westport Teen Diversity Essay Contest. The contest, which releases a different theme each year, asked Westport teens to address “The Dialogue Challenge: Effective Engagement on Race, Ethnicity, Religion, and LGBTQIA+."
Dizon's essay explores her familial roots, and how a class presentation her father made about her Filipino family’s immigration to America ignited a sense of pride in both herself and her culture.
Dreas' essay discusses how she first recognized her privilege, leading her to seek ways to better understand what to do with that privilege. Upon learning the definition of 'anti-racist,' she realized that just being an ally isn’t enough and that racism and discrimination in this world require active resistance.
Both GFA students were recognized at the Westport Library in a placing ceremony on April 18. Dizon and Dreas placed first and third, respectively.
To learn more about TEAM Westport, visit here.