Human rights. Two Chester students among winners of the 2021 Stop Hate Challenge

The annual Orange County Stop Hate Challenge was established by the Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County and the Orange County Human Rights Commission to promote tolerance and understanding through education.

This year’s challenge asked students to choose a hate group from world or U.S. history and to give an example of how that hate group harmed society. In addition, students were asked to give specific suggestions of how society can heal from this hate.

Students from schools throughout Orange County could choose to write an essay or submit an original poem or song.

And the winners are:

Ryan DeVico, sophomore, Chester Academy. Teacher: Stephanie Steiler. Essay: “Putting a Stop to Hatred.”

Branden Scire, senior, Chester Academy. Teacher: Patricia Rivas. Song: “All This Hate,” lyrics by Sophia Quinones.

Jenna Hopmayer, freshman, Pine Bush High School. Teacher: Guerita Harlow. Poem: “The Ever-Changing Face of Hate.”

The entries can be read and the song heard at www.jewishorangeny.org/2021-stop-hate-challenge.