“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” ~Mark Twain

On April 23, 2015, Mr Ndiaye, Director of the historic Marie Dior Sarr School in Dakar, Senegal welcomed Jacqueline Cofield and her guests including Chicago, IL TV Anchor Cortney Hall to award student Sokhna Anta M. a first place certificate and 50,000 fcfa for the J Rêve International Global Kid’s Essay Contest.  This year’s theme is, “How to make school better,” and first place awards are being awarded in different cities globally.  An ebook will later be created, wherein artists will illustrate the first place essays.

Jacqueline Cofield recalls, “I won first place in the Wesley on East essay contest when I was her age and it really made me feel confident as a student. It feels so good to go full circle with that and create the same experience for Sokhna.” Sokhna’s school Director Mr Ndiaye stated that, “receiving this award is not only an honor for Sokhna, but also for every teacher at this school, as it is acknowledges their efforts to educate the students as well.”  Mr. Ndiaye also mentioned that it is an honor that the school will have global visibility because of this award, and proudly declared that Sokhna is now a part of the J Rêve International community of global scholars.

We believe that confident kids are creative kids, therefore it is important that we celebrate and encourage academic and creative achievement. Congratulations Sokhna!

We are grateful to motivate young writers around the world in India, Dubai, Rochester, NY, and Louisiana to express their ideas, inspire others, and set high goals for themselves.