Above (from left): Nallely Prada, Nataly Nava, Natanael Nava, and state Senator John Payton
Batesville Junior High School Charter student Nataly Nava has been named one of four national winners in Optimum’s 2024 Annual Hispanic Heritage Essay Contest.
Nava’s essay, “Nuestra Comida (Our Food),” earned her a $3,000 scholarship. Her essay highlighted the cultural significance of food within the Hispanic community and its role in bringing people together.
The contest, held in partnership with the Univision Foundation, invited students from 21 states to write 500 words or fewer about a person, cultural experience, celebration, or tradition that helped them connect to Hispanic culture and explain its personal meaning.
Nava’s essay was selected from hundreds of entries. On Monday, she was celebrated on campus with her peers, parents, school administrators, state Sen. John Payton, and representatives from Optimum.
“Our district is enormously proud of Nataly’s outstanding accomplishment,” Batesville Superintendent Ken James said. “Her essay reflects her talent, dedication, and deep pride in her heritage. Nataly’s achievement serves as an example of excellence for our students and community.”
BJHSC English teacher Natalie Greenfield praised Nava’s work.
“Nataly winning is no surprise,” Greenfield said. “When she asked me to review her paper, I was so impressed by her storytelling and knew she felt a deep connection to the contest because of her pride in her culture. We are thrilled to see her recognized at this level.”
Nava was one of four grand prize winners alongside students from New York, Texas, and New Jersey.
Image provided by Batesville School District
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