Schools

Four Students Win Adult Essay Contest in San Mateo

The winners were: Marina Krautsava, Faina Nisenban and Hulya Zira. All are recent immigrants to the U.S.

Editor's Note: The following article was submitted to Patch by the San Mateo Union High School District. To submit an article for publication, please e-mail laura.dudnick@patch.com.

As part of Adult Education Week, four San Mateo Union High School District Adult School students have been named winners in its 2013 Essay Contest.

The winners were: Marina Krautsava, Faina Nisenban and Hulya Zira. All are recent immigrants to the U.S.

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Their essays, which were read aloud to a standing-room-only audience at the Adult School’s headquarters in San Mateo March 15, emphasized the value of their education, particularly their English classes.

Ms. Krautsava, in a moving essay, stated that her time at the Adult School has meant much more than ongoing academic progress. She said it has proven to be a vehicle to help her get her life in order and to “rise from the ashes.” As she put it, “I can respect myself again.”

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Robert Ross, Deputy Mayor of San Mateo, in heartfelt remarks, praised all of the winners, along with the work of the Adult School itself, and noted, “Every time you see a teacher smile and say thanks.”

The winners received certificates from District Superintendent Scott Laurence.

According to Adult School Director Larry Teshara, his school, with an estimated 8,500 students, is one of the largest of its kind in Northern California.

All of the winning essays were scheduled to be posted on the Adult School’s Facebook page. For more information, contact Teshara at 650-558-2122.

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