The Horizons-on-the-Hudson Elementary School received the Elementary School Honorable Mention from the 32nd annual New York State Archives Student Research Awards, the Newburgh Enlarged City School District announced today.
The competition was for its “Newburgh, My Home Community Spotlight” project. It was initiated by Lisa Kochik, Head of Youth Services for the Newburgh Free Library. The project is based on the idea that some non-Newburgh residents may not see this historic, dynamic, resilient city and town in the same way as those who live here.
“Newburgh is home and solace,” the Newburgh Enlarged City School District observed in a written statement. “It is family and friendship. It is diverse in opinions, beliefs, traditions and identities. The project seeks to celebrate and illuminate the beauty and resources of all of Newburgh, through stories we know and others we may not have heard.”
The District was up to the challenge. Horizons-on-the-Hudson Magnet School and Librarian Wright Jumpp teamed up with their third, fourth, and fifth grade students and teachers, as well as South Middle School sixth grade students and teachers. Collectively, along with the support of community partners, the group took the baton from Kochik and delved whole-heartedly into the project.
“This project elevates the voice of our precious children, promoting equity, access, inclusion and belonging,” the District continued.
The project was first pursued during the 2012-13 school year as a collaboration between Jump, the Horizons-on-Hudson Library, and Kochik. They anticipate the project will continue to grow.
