Jennifer Trujillo, who graduated with a degree in English and Education, writes that:  "I have  some BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!! Not one but 2 of my students have won an award in Thanksgiving Square's Expressions essay contest. This was open to students all over the country and they expected 1000 entries. Out of 4 prizes, my students have taken 2!!!!!”

 She and her students were invited to the Winspear Opera House for an awards ceremony where the keynote speaker is Mike Miles, the new superintendant for DISD. "For DISD to win 2 places is a big deal and shines a spotlight not only on me and my students but also on our school during a time when ALL schools in DISD are under extreme scrutiny. The students will win cash for themselves", she said, "and I have won cash for the school.”

 Furthermore, we learned after the actual ceremony that they took first and second place! Their essays will be on display at Thanksgiving square until the end of the year and at the main branch of the Dallas Public library for about a month after that.

 Jennifer adds in an email to two of her former professors, Drs. Peggy Kulesz and Barbara Chiarello, that “I wanted to share this with you because while my students probably thank me for this achievement (it was an assignment), I thank you and I think it is important to let teachers know what an impact they have made on you.”