Ellis seventh-grader wins Human Rights essay contest

Ekaterina Miller is thankful for the education she receives. The seventh-grader at Ellis Middle School recently wrote an essay describing how every person has the right to an education. Miller is this year’s Austin’s Human Rights Commission Essay Contest winner.

“It’s pretty good,” Miller said. “I didn’t really think I was going to win.”

Miller, who wrote she wants to become a marine biologist or some other type of scientist, said she was surprised that the essay she wrote won, as she didn’t think she was much of a writer.

“I guessed someone would write a better essay than me,” she said.

Miller beat out seventh-graders at Ellis as well as Pacelli Junior High School for the award, writing about the importance of education as well as women’s rights. Miller researched a lot in preparation for her essay, learning about people like Susan B. Anthony, who led the women’s suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

“Women didn’t have a lot of choices,” Miller said. “Things got better over time. It’s getting closer to equal.”

Yet Miller believes its important for everyone to get an education, so people may understand one another and promote religious and basic freedoms.

“I hope that one day all children all over the world will be allowed the same rights we have for education here in America,” she wrote.

Miller’s essay will be forwarded to the state Human Rights Commission, which will choose an essay winner. In addition, Miller may be asked to read her essay at various HRC events throughout the year, depending on the event’s theme.

“It’s nice that (Miller is being) recognized too, throughout the year,” said Trish Wiechmann, HRC member.