PARKVILLE, MD—A Parkville High School student has taken top honors in this year’s Baltimore County Public Schools “Champions of Courage” essay contest.

Trisha Orogo took first place at an awards ceremony held on Saturday, February 1, at Martin’s West.

Four BCPS students were named finalists in the 32nd annual Black History Month essay competition, presented by M&T Bank.

The four finalists were:

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

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 on FOX45, The CW Baltimore, and MyTV Baltimore, were presented with $100 prizes at the awards breakfast.

Congratulations to Trisha Orogo ⁦@ParkvilleHS⁩ for winning 1st place in the Champions of Courage Essay contest. We are so proud of you! ⁦@BCPS_Sup⁩ ⁦@CbyersChristina⁩ ⁦@S_Mustipher⁩ pic.twitter.com/8KhuZNf9q0

— Maureen Astarita (@MaureenAstarita) February 1, 2020