Abraham Lincoln Middle students explain their love of Port Arthur …

Abraham Lincoln Middle students explain their love of Port Arthur through essay contest

Published 12:36 am Saturday, April 1, 2023

Abraham Lincoln Middle School students Lucia Acosta, Isabella Canales and Jamar Ragan are winners of the school’s Quasquincentennial Essay Contest. (Mary Meaux/The News)

Port Arthur means a lot to Jamor Ragan, Lucia Acosta and Isabella Canales. The city is a great town that sometimes gets a bad rap, has caring teachers and has a lot to offer, according to Ragan, Acosta and Canales. The three are students at Abraham Lincoln Middle School and winners of the Port Arthur Quasquincentennial Essay Contest honoring the city’s 125th birthday.

The writing prompt was “What Port Arthur Means to Me.”

Abraham Lincoln Middle School students that took part in the essay contest pose for a group photo. (Mary Meaux/The News) Sixteen students entered the contest and the top three earned gift cards for £100, £50 and £25, according to information from Port Arthur Independent School District. Canales, a 7th grader, said her essay talked about how the city is sometimes judged negatively.

“I wrote a lot of things about it (Port Arthur) but mostly, it’s a great town. Most people think it’s bad and bad kids come out of it,” said Canales, who won third place. But Port Arthur is not just football, though football is important to many in the city, she said.

“There’s been great kids that came out of it and it has a lot of great things for everyone,” she said. “And it has great schools as well. A great education program and I look forward to finishing in a good college.” Ragan, an 8th grader, took first place with her essay.

“I wrote about how a lot of my family was raised here and how even though a lot of people have spent their whole lives here, they’ve never really thought about how amazing it is,” Ragan said. She lauded the fact there are programs for “everyone,” whether they have ADHD or are autistic, they can be part of everything.

Lincoln Middle School Principal Dr. Glenn Mitchel, left, and sixth grade Principal Dwight Wagner speak to students Thursday.

The school has many chances for inclusion, she said, including a robotics team and sports. “And we have a lot of caring teachers who, this is their hometown too, so they care about it as well,” Ragan said. Acosta, a 6th grader, said for her Port Arthur is all of the memories she’s had living here.

“I truly love Port Arthur and most of my family lives here and all of my memories are here, too,” Acosta said. “So I really can’t imagine the kind of person I would be if I didn’t grow up here. It’s very inclusive and a fun place to live.” All three girls have their sights set on attending Wilson Early College High School in the future.

Dwight Wagner, sixth grade principal, said retired educators graded the essays.

Principal Dr.

Glenn Mitchell told the essay writers he was proud of them for participating in the Quasquincentennial Essay Contest.

Tags:

east-midlands-airport-car-park listed on couponmatrix.ukfranco-manca listed on couponmatrix.uklondon-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukstables-restaurant-1 listed on couponmatrix.ukted-baker listed on couponmatrix.ukwhitbread-inns listed on couponmatrix.uk
east-midlands-airport-car-park listed on couponmatrix.ukThe folks at East Midlands Airport know that the last thing you want to think about before you go on holiday is parking charges, so that’s why it offers a range of affordable, safe and secure pre-pay parking facilities just a quick trip away from the terminal. Book your slot with an East Midlands Airport Parking discount code and enjoy your holiday with complete peace of mind. Whether you’re looking for great value or something a little more VIP, there’s a parking option for every budget at East Midlands Airport.
franco-manca listed on couponmatrix.ukThe sourdough superheroes at Franco Manca are experts in fresh, traditional pizza made the Neapolitan way. Check out the delicious vegetarian specials topped with halloumi, roasted courgettes and plum tomatoes or indulge in a meat feast with cured ham, mozzarella, ricotta and wild mushrooms. Feeling fancy? Opt for a classic Franco Manca salad for a lighter lunch that doesn’t compromise on flavour. Whether dining at a Franco Manca restaurant or getting your pizza delivered to your doorstep, you’ll want a Franco Manca discount from Groupon to cut a slice from your bill.
london-zoo listed on couponmatrix.ukDid you know that London Zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world? With so much to see and do, London Zoo makes the perfect day out for every family. Book your tickets online with a London Zoo discount code and visit penguin beach, the land of the lions or gorilla kingdom for a fraction of the price. From creepy crawlies and tropical fish to mischievous meerkats, there’s a sight to delight everyone at London Zoo.
stables-restaurant-1 listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you love your pizza with a side of cider, then The Stable is the perfect hotpot to satisfy your stomach. Sourcing only the finest west-country ciders on tap whilst providing each of their succulent pizza with their signature sourdough base, The Stable vouchers are a great way to sample all the delicacies this family-fuelled pizzeria has to offer. With over fifteen locations dotted across the South, there’s no excuse not to dig in at a Stable near you.
ted-baker listed on couponmatrix.ukMasters of the gentleman’s shirt, Ted Baker has been dressing the nation in the finest threads since 1987. Cutting-edge design meets luxury fabrics in Ted Baker’s fashions for men, women and children. Combining beauty and practicality, every fashion is crafted with a thought for the wearer’s day-to-day movements. With our Ted Baker discount code, the iconic London-inspired style is available for every budget too. Impeccable fashion is only made more complete when accessorised, so make sure to stop by Ted Baker’s collection of bags, belts, sunglasses and shoes to find the perfect addition to any outfit. Get ready to wear your personality on your sleeves.
whitbread-inns listed on couponmatrix.ukIf you’re after a tasty local ale, mouthwatering food and service with a smile, look no further - you’ll enjoy a warm welcome at Whitbread Inns! With spots all over the country, there’s bound to be one near you - pop in today to enjoy some good old fashioned hospitality. Make the most of a Whitbread Inns voucher to save on your next pint or plate, and get ready to make yourself at home!