2001 Winner, Crystal D. Armstead

The United States has the largest immigration population in the world. There are two types of immigrants today. Those who are running from something, and those who are running to something. In the early 1600's there was a third reason. Africans were brought to America against their will as slaves. Africans had no choice but to become part of American culture. Today, African Americans have freedom to leave, but are so much a part of the American society that we remain a part of this country. I'm part of the American melting pot.

My school is an example of America in 2001. There are at least thirty countries represented in my school.

Some of the children in my school don't speak English, or speak very little English. In the classroom, they sometimes have a translator. In the lunchroom and in the school yard, language is not a problem. We play tag, jump rope, and run around the school yard. We need no translators. It is a privilege to go to school with so many cultures.

In the fourth grade, everyone researched their culture and country of origin. My ancestors came from Africa. They weren't treated well, but today I'm able to attend one of the best schools in Philadelphia. I was proud when my grandmother shared stories from Africa.

We finished the project with an international lunch. We enjoyed dishes and wore clothes from our country of origin. I was proud when my grandmother shared stories from Africa.