Chassity Williams, a fifth grade student at Twillman Elementary School, earned a $200 U.S. Savings Bond after participating in a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest, sponsored by the General Motors Assembly Plant in Wentzville.
“I had to write an essay about my dreams for the world and for America,” said Williams. “One thing I would like for America is I want people to be safe while they are outside or in their neighborhoods.” She added that she “wants all students to be able to have the same education as we have here in America and I want people to get jobs easier.”
Hosted by the United Auto Workers Civil Rights Committee and the assembly plant, the program is designed for the children and grandchildren of eligible hourly and salaried employees. They received topics on the life of Dr. King, varied according to grade levels. They wrote or typed essays on the chosen subject. Williams said her essay is two pages long. A panel of judges evaluated the essays and winners are selected by grade levels. The program is from students from kindergarten to college. Along with the savings bond, she earned a certificate and a portfolio.
Her mother, Tiffany Williams, works at the plant and entered Chassity in the contest.
“I’m excited. She is very enthusiastic about being the best at what she does and she believes in what she wrote,” said her mother. “I’m very proud of her.”
GM Wentzville has successfully raised more than $242,000 in scholarship funds to give to students since 2001. The winners are notified and there is a ceremony at the plant for the winners, family members and friends.