Teenage Moms Win Essay Competition
The teenage moms who participated in the essay competition run by Children's Services all had something in common other than their babies: When these young women found out they were about to become parents, they made up their minds not to become another statistic about young mothers who fail to graduate high school or go to college. Now, they can proudly join the ranks of high school graduates and college students on their way to creating a brighter future for themselves and their children.
Top 3 winners Lakisha Coburn, right, with Karlene Karen Jacob, center and Sheila Flowers.
TASA teen mom Sonia Tenecela, a student at Berkley College, receives her Back to School package provided by NYFC, and a word of encouragement from ACS Queens Supervisor Wylanda Forte. Looking on is her case manager, Clover Dewar-March. |
At the awards ceremony for the winners of the Teenage Services Act (TASA) Educational Awards essay competition, held on Nov.16th, the top three winners read their stories aloud. In her essay, Lakisha Coburn, a student at Nyack College, began with a page from her diary when she was at a low point as she tried to cope with being a pregnant teen. "Is there a blessing when you're just a baby having a baby?" she wrote. Fortunately, she found the answer when she was put in touch with a TASA caseworker with reassuring words: "The blessing is you and that newborn child." With services from TASA and encouragement from her caseworker, Lakisha was able to finish high school and is now enrolled in her first semester at Nyack. Lakisha believes that winning the educational award is proof that "determination bridges destiny and that hard work does truly pay off."
Children's Services Commissioner John Mattingly addressed the gathering of TASA moms and their caseworkers from agencies including Urban Strategies and the National Council of Negro Women. He commended the young mothers for their strength and determination and the staff for their dedication, and wished them the best in the future. Liz Roberts, the Deputy Commissioner for the Division of Family Support Services, and Assistant Commissioner Pearl Jack-Mack handed out prizes to the top winners: Lakisha, Sheila Flowers and Karlene Karen Jacobs.
(Left) Deputy Commissioner Liz Roberts congratulates grand prize winner Lakisha Coburn. (Right) Karlene Karen Jacobs and her TASA case manager from Urban Strategies in Brooklyn, Khi-Lynn Johnson.
The essay competition was open to all TASA participants attending an accredited college or institution or enrolled for the Fall 2009 semester. As first place winner, Lakisha received a scholarship award worth $500; the 2nd and 3rd place winners, Karlene Karen Jacobs and Sheila Flowers, each received awards of $250. The top three winners plus 11 other contestants received a Back to School package donated by New Yorkers For Children, consisting of a laptop computer, printer, gift certificates and other school supplies.
Read the winners stories (in PDF):
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