Student Spotlight: Saanvi Pattnaik and Meryem Ozkan

Congratulations to Colonial Middle School sixth graders Saanvi Pattnaik and Meryem Ozkan! The two young scholars teamed up earlier this year to win one of the three awards in The Patriots Challenge, a regional research competition that helps teach young people about the history of African American heroes in the American Revolutionary War.

“I learned that there were not only soldiers and military people who helped, but people like poets could also help. Phyllis Wheatley wrote a poem to George Washington showing her support to him during the war,” said Saanvi.

The two sixth graders wrote a play where they were reading a book and talking about the “cool facts” they learned as they read. They recorded the play for their submission to the contest. 

“We decided to make a video, because it was more creative,” said Meryem.

The Patriots Challenge is an annual contest for students in grades 6-8 sponsored by the Valley Forge Alumnae Chapter of Delta of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The group awards three $150 prizes each year.