By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
FPCA student wins essay contest
emilyhickey
FPCA student Emily Hickey stands at the podium at the Georgia Historical Society. - photo by Photo provided.
After learning about a local civil rights leader, First Presbyterian Christian Academy freshman Emily Hickey said she was inspired to compete in the Georgia Historical Society’s essay and speech contest. Her entry, featuring former Savannah NAACP President Westley Wallace Law, won second place.
Hickey, who first learned about Law in her world geography class, said her teacher inspired her to research Law’s life. She said she was particularly interested in his role in desegregation and as president of the Savannah chapter of the NAACP for 26 years.
However, Hickey said ultimately
it was Law’s legendary personality
and love of family that drew her to pen an essay about him.
“I was really impressed that he gave credit for his successes to his mother and grandmother,” Hickey said.
Admitedly comfortable with writing and public speaking, Hickey said
she had a great time par-ticipating in the two-part Black History Month competition, which was in early February.
After their essays were submitted, finalists were asked to give a speech, approximately five minutes long, on their chosen topic.
“She was phenomenal,” Emily Hickey’s mother, Shannon Hickey, said of her daughter’s speech.
Hickey was a first-time competitor in the essay contest.
“It was very interesting to hear everyone’s speeches,” Hickey said.
Hickey said she is considering a career in law so she can further her public speaking skills, but she also said she might like to be crime investigator. She’s already authored few short stories and has no plans to stop.
Hickey focused her energy and talents on the essay contest because she said Black History Month is important for all students, “It’s important because it marks a great strive for America,” Hickey said. “People should look at people as people.”

Sign up for our e-newsletters