The Aspiring Educators of Michigan (AEM) wrapped up their latest reading/writing competition with an awards ceremony for students who were asked to analyze which voices were missing from their school’s book collections.

The “Growing Libraries with Representation” project, funded by a CREATE grant from NEA, asked secondary students in Mason to survey their classroom and school libraries. Students then wrote essays identifying books that could help diversify offerings at their school.

The contest followed AEM programs in previous years which also valued literature as window, mirror, and sliding door. That concept—familiar to many educators—explains the importance of diverse perspectives in literature as a way for readers to gain knowledge, understanding and empathy.

AEM President Aryana Jharia, an aspiring secondary ELA teacher from Eastern Michigan University, is passionate about bringing diverse books to students. Having spent her own money to begin a classroom library, she said it’s unfair to ask teachers to fill this need alone.

“Michigan is diverse, and representation matters,” Jharia said, encouraging other districts to ask students what books they want in their schools. “The first step is evaluating where we have these gaps (in diverse literature) and taking the steps to fill those gaps.”

Teachers Laura Lewis and Cindy McCormick and their students at Mason Middle School won the contest. Each teacher received a $150 gift card and a variety of books based on the expressed interests of their students.

Lewis and McCormick encouraged students to participate in the contest because they are reading Eliza Wiemer’s novel, The Assignment, in which kids advocating for themselves is an important theme. The contest also gave students a chance to write for a real audience, they said.

Five student winners each received a $30 gift card and a book. All of the prizes were purchased at Mason’s local bookstore Vault Deli and Bestsellers on Jefferson Street.

Lilly Kyro, AEM member and Michigan State University student, is currently in a placement at an elementary school in Mason where she is working with second graders who look for diverse characters like themselves in books they read at school.

“I’m excited these students will eventually come to Mason Middle School and see more books where they are represented, thanks to this contest,” Kyro said.

It was a challenge to select the five student winners. The AEM members who selected them are Kenzie Atkins, GVSU; Alyssa Stevenson, CMU; Anna Theune, GVSU; Linsdey Springer, GVSU; and Jenna Decker, SVSU.

Mason Middle School Principal Ted Berryhill and Assistant Principal Mary Hilker-Loch were on hand for the awards ceremony. Hilker-Lock said she appreciated the project for giving students an opportunity to choose books that make a difference for themselves and others.

Also in attendance was Janet Alleman, an instructional coach and mentor in the district, who praised McCormick and Lewis for their work in the classroom and in an after-school book club.

The longtime educator said giving students greater choices in school empowers them and makes learning more joyful. “Students want voice, status, and for us to serve as coaches and mentors, not preachers,” Alleman said.