Mayor John Warford and members of the Bismarck Mayor’s Human Relations Committee recognized two students today and were joined by fellow students, teachers and parents during the Human Rights Essay and Poetry award presentation ceremonies.

Cassy Flemmer, Dorothy Moses Elementary School, was recognized for her poem titled “Fighting For…” that told of how Rosa Parks gave her a spark and how freedom will always be worth fighting for. Zac Cave, Cathedral School, was recognized for his essay titled “Fighting Against Racism” during a school assembly. His essay spoke of the importance of human dignity, what it meant to him, and how it plays an important role in his life. Both award recipients received a plaque of recognition and cash award. Mayor Warford told students that he thought they should all take Zac’s advice to heart, “Next time before you do something, think if it is respectful.” The award winning essay and poem are displayed in the link below.

Students in grades 4-6, and 7-9, were invited to write an essay or a poem to foster increased awareness about human rights. Twenty-four elementary school student entries were received. One poem and one essay were selected from the entries submitted.

The mission of the Human Relations Committee is to protect and promote the personal dignity of all Bismarck citizens and to eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from reaching their full human potential.