Story by Elisabeth Kramer
Illustrations as noted
This past year Ethos staff members have had the privilege of writing letters to former editor in chief Kevin Bronk’s middle school class in San Jose, California. After his time at Ethos, Kevin joined Teach For America and, as he explains below, soon found a way for Ethos to make a difference in the lives of his students:
“For the last eight months, my sixth, seventh, and eight graders have developed their writing while corresponding with staff members of Ethos Magazine. My students spent weeks working to share their thoughts on a variety of topics, ranging from difficulties they’ve overcome to ways they would change the world. Ethosians always eagerly wrote them back.
As the project culminated with the ending of the school year, Ethos decided to give my students a venue for visual communication, with Ethos’ First Annual End-of-School Art Competition. Like their letters, my students crafted their entries with pride.”
Ethos’ senior staff received a number of original drawings from Kevin’s class. After much deliberation, three winners were chosen for each category. Read more about these up-and-coming artists:
2011 Winners
Most Creative—Lamberto Arechiga
Lamberto’s contest submission using both words and art was deemed most creative by Ethos senior staff members. Passionate about art, Lamberto was paired up with penpal Matt Wiggins, the 2010 winner of the Spirit of Summer Art Competition. The two have exchanged work through their letters, with Matt offering advice on what he’s learned in college. When not drawing, Lamberto’s favorite part of Mr. Bronk’s class is playing silent ball.
Best Attention to Theme—Roldan Arzate
Roldan used great detail to show Ethos where he’d like to go over summer break: Hawaii. When asked why he picked the Aloha State for his destination, Roldan said, “I want to go to Hawaii to surf with sharks. Maybe if I get a scar I can impress girls.” Turns out he’s already impressed one: his Ethos penpal, Ashleigh Westmoreland. “He’s just the sweetest thing ever!” Ashleigh says. Roldan can’t wait to go to college and, someday, Hawaii!
Best Overall—Itzayana Islas
Itzayana submitted not one but two pictures for this year’s contest. Always a hard worker, Itzayana dreams of going to Disneyland with her family. “She is a very enthusiastic student who clearly shows a passion for learning in each letter she writes,” says Itzayana’s penpal, Kerri Anderson. Itzayana has big plans for her future; in her last letter to Kerri, she wrote: “I want to change the world. I would stop people from cutting trees, stop pollution, and stop wasting water and electricity. This can help the Earth.”
