2012 MIAMI DADE COUNTY'S FRANCISCO R. WALKER TEACHER OF THE YEAR
|
http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/500-words-gets-you-5000-Bucks-117678628.html
|
|
Posted By: Barrett Mincey on May 04, 2012 A Miami-Dade student helped his school cash in thanks to a witty essay. "He is, in my opinion, one of the smartest students I have ever taught," raved Dr. Barrett Mincey about student Michael Orr. Orr received a huge round of applause from members of the Miami-Dade School Board, school officials and a busload of his buddies Wednesday after he was named the winner of the NBCMiami Homeroom Reformers Challenge. NBCUniversal, which owns NBCMiami, sponsored an essay contest that encouraged students to write an essay about how they would improve their school in 500 words or less. This was no run-of-the-mill essay competition, though. The stakes were high, as the winner would rake in $5,000 for improving their school. Contest officials said 256 Miami-Dade students took a shot at the big bucks that would go to the winner's school. What's unique about this story is that Orr attended the Here is Hope Alternative School, and he isn't shy about talking about a few bumps along the road of life. He's frank about saying he would have never been able to write the essay without the support of his teachers and the staff of the school. "You took me in during a very hard time in my life," he told his school buddies, teachers and family members. But Michael's essay wasn't all heartstring tugging -- he poked fun at the school for the lack of reliable air conditioning: "Furthermore, our homeroom has been cursed with a more frivolous and volatile air conditioner than any that have ever been made. It may only be a perspective in our class, but we believe that the temperature should not range from polar extremes throughout each day. The constant shifting has caused more than one head cold. We arrive at school in the morning and are greeted with a blast of arctic chill only to come back from lunch to the Sahara Desert. The indecision alone is driving us crazy. Just having a stable learning environment could change our entire experience in the classroom; this may cut down on the amount of negativity brought on by an evil air conditioner." Orr said he wrote with humor, tongue in cheek, and he won. He was also deadly serious proving a point saying, "The kind of kid that goes there (Here Is Hope Alternative School), we are not looked at as the best, so I gave them more than what they expected and I would show that we are still human." "He has the skills, he had the drive, and he commented when he went there that 'I want to do extremely well," Mincey said. The $5,000 bought a new air conditioner, some computers, a high speed DSL line and some desks, all welcomed at the school. Orr is off to the New World School, where he will sing and study opera, and then plans to go to Japan to perfect his martial arts skills. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Barrett Mincey
Contributing Faculty, Walden University Univ of Miami class of 1999 Member Since May 2012 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest Blogs
 |
Why Trump Alarms The EU: Rising Discomfort & Global InstabilityPhoto: The European Council building in Brussels is dealing daily with diplomatic tension and transatlantic uncertainty.
European leaders and citizens increasingly view Donald Trump as a deeply d ...more
Joel Savage • 45 Views • September 16th, 2026 |
 |
Marcus Garvey: The paradox and power of a global Black Nationalist iconA historical portrait of Marcus Garvey dressed in formal attire, symbolizing his leadership in Black nationalism, economic independence, and global Pan-African movements.
Marcus Mosiah Garvey rem ...more
Joel Savage • 69 Views • September 15th, 2026 |
 |
When technology becomes companionship: The rise of emotional AIPhoto: An emotional scene featuring a human interacting with an expressive companion robot.
Humanity is entering a new era where technology is no longer just a tool but a companion capable of sensi ...more
Joel Savage • 88 Views • September 14th, 2026 |
 |
Shashamane: The untold story of Rastafari repatriation and Little JamaicaAn illustration showing the Shashamane community in Ethiopia, blending Jamaican cultural elements such as reggae and Patois, amid Ethiopian heritage and culture.
The Shashamane settlement in Ethi ...more
Joel Savage • 129 Views • September 13th, 2026 |
 |
ALS: The silent breakdown of the human body and the search for real solutionsAn illustration showing the human nervous system highlighting motor neurons affected by ALS, revealing progressive muscle weakness and neurodegeneration.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), wide ...more
Joel Savage • 128 Views • September 12th, 2026 |
Popular Blogs
 |
Divorce in America in 2009 – What’s love got to do, got to do with it?
Join Brother Marcus and the cast and the crew of the Brother Marcus Show live this Sunday evening on February 1, 2009 @ 8:00 p.m. for another hot topic in our community! “Divorce in America in 2009 ...more
Brother Marcus! • 75,421,536 Views • January 27th, 2009 |
 |
VISINE ALERT!!!Seemingly innocent medication such as Visine eyedrops are used by people to concoct a mixture with similar effects as a date-rape drug.
When mixed with alcohol and taken orally, the eyedrops can l ...more
Siebra Muhammad • 122,401 Views • May 23rd, 2009 |
 |
"Chain Hang Low" check out the real meaning of the Lyrics!Recently there is a new artist out of Saint Louis that goes by the name JIBBS. Jibbs debut single "Chain hang low" has a history that most people are not aware of. The particular nursery rhyme that th ...more
Tyhesha Judge-Fogle • 81,063 Views • November 9th, 2006 |
 |
HBCU Marketplace Gifts: Divine 9 Premium Fraternity / Sorority Playing CardsVendor: Charles Jones
Item Price: $20.00
Price Includes Shipping: Yes - Shipping Included
Item Description:
Pantheon Series - Divine 9 - Premium Playing Cards (choose Gold Series or Silve ...more
Hija Chang • 64,422 Views • December 2nd, 2018 |
