“Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine, and at last, you create what you will” – George Bernard Shaw On February 25, 2015, Robert Brown High School English teacher Barbara Bukowski welcomed Jacqueline Cofield and her guests Dr. Jason B. Willis and Robin Dettman to award student Jennifer Torres a first place certificate and $100 gift Amex card for the J Rêve International Global Kid’s Essay Contest.

This year’s theme is “How to make school better,” and first place awards will also be given to students in Haiti, Senegal, Canada and Louisiana. An ebook will ultimately be created, wherein artists will illustrate each first place essay. 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 Jenny.”

Jennifer’s teacher Barbara Bukowski stated that, “this award is particularly significant because Jenny is an ESL (English as a Second Language) student. She is very proud and this acknowledgement reinforces her esteem in the area of writing.” Barbara Bukowski, Jennifer’s teacher: “Thank you so very much.  It was such a joy to be able to celebrate the achievements of our students.  Thank you for giving Jennifer and others the opportunity to shine.”  We believe that confident kids are creative kids, therefore it is important that we celebrate and encourage academic and creative achievement. Congratulations Jenny!

All photos listed on this page © J Rêve International LLC

Press Release J Reve Rochester Feb 2015 Education Programming

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

Testimony:

• “My students, at Robert Brown High School in Rochester, NY, had the opportunity to enter the J Rêve International Global Kid’s Essay Contest which had a theme of “How to make school better.” I gave it as class assignment because it fulfilled many needs for my students. One thing that is required of students today is purposeful writing. Unfortunately, trying to meet curriculum requirements doesn’t always give teachers opportunities to let students write about something they feel strongly about. J Reve International gave me and my students such an opportunity. My students feel passionately about their school and getting a good education and having a successful, fulfilled life and therefore the topic was truly engaging for them. I like to see my students engaged and to give them such an authentic opportunity to feel heard was wonderful. One of my students, Jennifer Torres, was a winner and us to have a full celebration acknowledging not just her success but to validate the efforts of all the students who participated. The entire experience fostered enthusiasm to write and an opportunity to practice their writing skills. The celebration brought inspirational speakers and motivated my students to see beyond perceived societal boundaries. I applaud J Reve International’s efforts to engage bringing these opportunities to students from all walks of life. Thank you.”
  • Barbara Bukowski, English Teacher, Rochester, NY