LOCK HAVEN, Pa. -

On Saturday April 18, 2009 community members, dignitaries, and parents all gathered at J. Henry Cochran Elementary School in celebration of local school children in the first annual "Making My Dream a Reality" essay contest. Awards were presented at the Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA) Showcase commencement ceremony. Each of these dedicated youth had developed an essay that articulated his/her hopes, dreams and career aspirations.

Over the past eight weeks 30 Lock Haven University student mentors, in partnership with the Williamsport-Lycoming Community Foundation, and the Williamsport Area School District, assisted over 75 CAPPA Showcase participants in developing a “road map’ for success.

Each participant received a certificate of recognition from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and the Office of State Representative Rick Mirabito. First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth place winners were designated at each grade level, kindergarten thru 11th grade. Each one of these winners received an award plaque, cash prizes, gift cards, and items budgeted for in their essays, accordingly.

In addition to the 30 Lock Haven University student mentors, 12 mentors from The Pennsylvania College of Technology and Lycoming College were recognized for their dedicated service with certificates from the Williamsport Area School District and the Office of State Representative Rick Mirabito.

Lock Haven University President Keith T. Miller was among the dignitaries who were present to congratulate the students on their achievements. Professor Beth McMahon of the LHU Health Science Department was the program organizer.

CAPPA essay contest award winners are as follows:

Kindergarten: 1st, Nevaeh Williams; 2nd,Rahsaan Ali; 3rd, Jaymin Burton; 4th, Terrell Cradle

First Grade: 1st, Katelyn Wilson; 2nd, Aleah Moko; 3rd, Olivia Blackson; 4th Sherry Moko; 5th, Douglas Robinson and Cole Johnson

Second Grade: 1st, Zoe Young; 2nd, Andre Ross; 3rd, Bianca Kepner; 4th, JahDaiyah Molino; 5th, Isaac Cradle and Yusuf Nixon

Third Grade: 1st, Dajah Cowen; 2nd, Jasmine Gadson; 3rd, Destynie Smith; 4th, Orianna Hawkins; 5th, Amber Dunn

Fourth Grade: 1st, Nakia Folly; 2nd, Cierra Nelson; 3rd, Zakiya Walker; 4th, Jada Williams; 5th, Marquel Bennett and Veronique Allen

Fifth Grade: 1st, Wila Dominka Kuglasz; 2nd, Hazeem Shabazz; 3rd, Christopher Harvey; 4th, Mamoudou Toure; 5th, Sierra Young-Bey

Sixth Grade: 1st, Crystal Dunn; 2nd, Jaquanna Johnson; 3rd, Miranda Brooks; 4th, Devin Dargan; 5th, Ge"Zoriea Amos and Aliya Garnett

Seventh Grade: 1st, Careema Armstrong; 2nd, Aikyu Canty; 3rd, Kiana McCray; 4th, Paige McDermott; 5th, Zyhir Dorsey

Eighth Grade: 1st, Khaleef Lewis; 2nd, Porsche Turner; 3rd, Tina Monroe

Ninth Grade: 1st, Matthew Doresy; 2nd, Aaron Williams; 3rd, Najala Thomas; 4th, Dereck Cannady

Eleventh Grade: 1st, Tifarah Williams