A graduate of Rufus King High School has earned a scholarship as the winner of the 8th annual Freedom Scholarship Essay Contest, Alderwoman Milele A. Coggs announced today.

Selected from entries sent to the Alderwoman’s office, the winner is Ayanna Ellzey, a first year college student majoring in chemistry pre-med at Xavier University of Louisiana. She is also a former member of the City of Milwaukee Youth Council.

Alderwoman Coggs said the winning essay incorporated a reflection on the need for lifelong education and self-evaluation. “Ayanna is the product of a family and community focused on how education and self-improvement opens doors and strengthens one’s hold on freedom,” Ald. Coggs said.

In her essay, Ms. Ellzey wrote: “Education and constant self-evaluation and revolution are the only ways to prevent prejudice, discrimination and violence in our world. Self-evaluation is the key for anything to truly become progressive.”

Ms. Ellzey will receive a $500 scholarship award.