2007 - 2008 Diverse Minds Winners - B'nai B'rith International

2007 - 2008 Diverse Minds Winners

Los Angeles

First Place (Los Angeles)

Millie Brown Sees Music, took first place and was written and illustrated by Milena Von Wrangel and Breyanna Robinson, graduated seniors from Pacific Palisades High School.

Breayanna Robins and Milena Tyler von Wrangel, seniors at Pacific Palisades Charter High School in Los Angeles, were selected as the first-place winners of the 2008 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge in Los Angeles County. In addition to the publication and distribution of their book, they will split the $5,000 college scholarship prize.

Milena is an artist and Breayanna is a writer and they were pleased to combine their talents into the creation of this book, which they hope will broaden the minds of children around the world.

Available from Amazon.

Second Place (Los Angeles)

Los Angeles' second place was awarded for The Big Air written and illustrated by Crystal Maranan.

Third Place (Los Angeles)

The third place was awarded for Driving Blind! written and illustrated by Samantha & Melissa Wette.

Sponsor:

Colorado Springs

First Place (Colorado Springs)

A Short Story, was written by Daniel Gilbert and illustrated by Allison Doersch, juniors at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs.

Daniel Gilbert and Allison Doersch, juniors in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, were selected as the first-place winners of the 2008 Diverse Minds Youth Writing
Challenge in Colorado Springs. In addition to the publication and distribution of her book, they will split the $5,000 college scholarship prize.

In his spare time, Daniel studies piano, musical theory and composition at the Colorado Springs Conservatory and plays short recitals at retirement homes in his community once a month. Allison is passionate about art and dance and after high school, she plans to attend college and double major in dance and either graphic or commercial design.

Available from Amazon.

Second Place (Colorado Springs)

Bouncy Balls, was written and illustrated by Kelsey Brown.

Third Place (Colorado Springs) - TIE

The Great Vegetable Bowl, was written and illustrated by Kiley Robinson.

A Song of Diversity, was written and illustrated by Saraiya Ruano.

Sponsor:

Minneapolis/St. Paul

First Place (Minneapolis/St. Paul)

The Little Seed, was written by Matthew Lefebvre and illustrated by Elizabeth Lyden, graduated seniors from Roseville Area High School.

Matthew Lefebvre and Elizabeth Lyden, seniors at Roseville Area High School, were selected as the first-place winners of the 2008 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge in the Twin Cities area. In addition to the publication and distribution of their book, they will split the $5,000 college scholarship prize.

Matthew is an athlete and enjoys track, cross country running and swimming, and
earned all-conference honorable mentions in all three sports. He is hoping to attend Williams College or Swathmore College. Elizabeth is an artist and bass player and enjoys playing soccer and lacrosse. She is hoping to attend the University of Minnesota or Carleton College.

Matthew and Elizabeth have known each other for several years and were motivated to write this story after hearing an inspiring lecture from their calculus teacher.

Available from Amazon.

Second Place (Minneapolis / St. Paul)

An Unpopular Pineapple, was written and illustrated by Maisie Secora.

Third Place (Minneapolis / St. Paul)

Chelsea Gawboy for her book Pete.

Sponsors:

New York City

First Place (NY)

The Other Von Higgely, was written and illustrated by Kristina Rodulfo, a sophomore at Townsend Harris High School in Queens.

Kristina Rodulfo, a sophomore at Townsend Harris High School in Queens, New York, was selected as the first-place winner of the 2008 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge in New York City. In addition to the publication and distribution of her book, Kristina will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

Kristina aspires to be a novelist and currently enjoys singing and writing. The Other Von Higgely was written to inspire young readers to be true to themselves, thereby encouraging greater understanding and appreciation of each other's differences.

Available from Amazon.

Second Place (NY)

A Fungus Among Us, was written and illustrated by Safa Siddiqu.

Third Place (NY)

Jory Guttsman for his book The Cookie that Wouldn’t Crumble.

Sponsor:

Washington, DC

First Place (Washington, DC)

That's What Makes Me Special, was written and illustrated by Tabitha Peyton Wood, a graduated senior from Washington International School in DC.

Tabitha Peyton Wood, a senior at Washington International School in Washington, DC, was selected as the first-place winner of the 2008 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge for the Washington DC Metro Area. In addition to the publication and distribution of her book, Tabitha will receive a $5,000 college scholarship.

Tabitha has been a student at the Washington International School since kindergarten and feels lucky to have been educated at a diverse school where differences aren't just tolerated, but celebrated. Outside of school, Tabitha enjoys playing varsity volleyball and reporting for the school newspaper, where she serves as editor of the International section. In the fall, Tabitha will attend Columbia University in New York City where she received early acceptance to study economic development and creative writing.

Available from Amazon.