Sam Adams Elementary’s Dynisha Hackworth was a finalist for the Michigan History Essay Competition. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

Sam Adams Elementary’s Dynisha Hackworth was a finalist for the Michigan History Essay Competition.

Hackworth was one of 25 fifth or sixth grade students who qualified for the history competition, which is held in Detroit.

There were 445 competitors from different counties throughout the state of Michigan.

Hackworth wrote her essay about the Underground Railroad with the encouragement of Sam Adams teacher Felomina Patton. Hackworth was a participant in the school’s wax museum that featured the Underground Railroad, so it only seemed natural to write an essay about it.

Even though she had a background in the subject matter, she wasn’t sure she could come up with the 1,000 words needed for submission.

“We had to write a story about them,” Hackworth said of the Underground Railroad Wax Museum, “and you had to have a speech for what they would say. My former teacher she said that I had a really good speech and I should turn it into an essay and enter the contest.

“It was really hard to write because I needed like 1,000 words. I didn’t think I was going to get it done in time. Thankfully I had help from my mom to show me what to do and Ms. Patton to help guide me and push me to get it done in time.”

Hackworth was excited to be named a finalist.

“It feels really good because to tell you the truth, I didn’t think I was going to make it as far as I did.”