TOWSON, MD—Four Baltimore County Public Schools students have been named finalists in the 32nd Annual “Champions of Courage” Black History Month Essay Competition presented by M&T Bank.

They will appear this winter, along with 16 other Baltimore-area student finalists, on FOX45, The CW Baltimore, and MyTV Baltimore saluting their personal heroes.

The finalists from BCPS are:

• Sharcorya Jones, Milford Mill Academy
• Trisha Orogo, Parkville High School
• Boanerges Teka, Arbutus Middle School
• Breez Wigfield, Milford Mill Academy

This year, more than 2,500 entries were received from public and private schools throughout the Baltimore area.

The competition challenged students, Grades 6 through 12, to write brief essays saluting their personal “Champions of Courage,” positive role models who share the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In addition to sharing their essays on the air during January and February, the finalists will be presented with $100 prizes at an awards breakfast on Saturday, February 1, at Martin’s West.

At the breakfast, the top three essayists will be announced and will be presented with additional awards, including cash prizes for their schools.