By Amy Nguyen

Spotlighting the diversity of Houston and the city's commitment to civic engagement, Boat People SOS (BPSOS) recently partnered up with Mayor Bill White to sponsor Houston's First Annual Citizenship Week. For the months of October and November, BPSOS hosted "A Time to Write," a citywide story contest that was opened to all students grades 4-12 in the Greater Houston Area.

The contest, which drew creative writers from Houston, Fort Bend and Alief School Districts, challenged students to respond to Joseph Campbell's quote, "the privilege of a lifetime is being who you are," by reflecting on what being a Houstonian meant to them. The story contest provided a unique opportunity for the city to celebrate its diversity through the distinct writings of its youngest residents and future leaders.

Over seventy five people attended the awards ceremony on Friday, November 20, 2009 at the International Trade Center in Southwest Houston to honor the contest's winners. Those in attendance included Stephen Le, board member of the Houston Asian Chamber of Commerce, Janet Spurlock, principal of Mata Intermediate, Al Hoang, president of the Vietnamese Community of Houston and Vicinities, as well as Benito Juarez and Daniel Stoecker, co-chairs of the 2009 Citizenship Week.

/p> Twelve students from the elementary, middle school and high school grade levels were invited to share their outstanding stories as a Houstonian. They included:

Elementary School:

• First Place: Katie Malcolm, Annunciation Orthodox School
• Second Place: Sophia Sole, Annuniciation Orthodox School
• Third Place: Christopher Yuen-Stowell, Ed H. White Elementary
• Honorable Mention: Lexie Heims, Annunciation Orthodox School
• Honorable Mention: Isabella Eleuleteria, Annunciation Orthodox School

Middle School: 

• First Place: Tiffany Nguyen, Mata Intermediate
• Second Place: Charisse Ramos, Owens Intermediate
• Third Place: Angie Vega, Owens Intermediate

High School: 

• First Place: Robert Rodriguez, Stephen F. Austin High School
• Second Place: Angelica Herrera, Stephen F. Austin High School
• Third Place: Michelle Lo, Hightower High School
• Honorable Mention: Teresa Lara, Stephen F. Austin High School

Some shared their favorite childhood memories and landmarks in Houston, while others challenged the audience to take greater pride in the city. What resulted was a night of story telling that inspired not only the students, but also the proud parents and educators of the finalists.

In addition, three teachers, Marian Rosse of the Annunciation Orthodox School, Donna White of Mata Intermediate and Anita Trevino of Stephen F. Austin High School, were recognized by BPSOS and the 2009 Citizenship Week. The teachers were instrumental in challenging their students to reflect on the meaning of citizenship and encouraging them to consider the contest.

"A Time To Write" is just one of many activities BPSOS participates in to enhance civic engagement. The organization has long provided services and advocacy to Houston's immigrant and refugee communities, and participated in the city's first Citizenship Week to increase cultural awareness among the youth.

"Houston has long been heralded as a city of great diversity and global influence," said Trish Nguyen, BPSOS Houston Senior Branch Officer. "The contest was not only a way to connect Houston's many communities together, but it has also inspired students and our educators to think about what the city means to them."

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