Grade 8 ELA students participating in NY Times contest documenting events of 2020

The events of 2020 have affected many people in various ways, and the grade 8 English Language Arts (ELA) students in Alexis Farnsworth’s class have been tasked with documenting how its events have challenged or changed them.

The students are not only doing it for class, but they’re participating in a contest through the New York Times called “Coming of Age in 2020.”

The contest asks students to submit an artifact (such as a video, photograph, illustration, journal entry, etc.) that captures their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, and write an artist statement that describes the ways they have changed or been challenged.

“Combined, these artifacts will represent the JE teen perspective on the pandemic,” Farnsworth said.

“Since the eighth graders will need to find innovative ways to serve the community this year, the project will come with a special focus in history as service. Students will share their projects with the New York Times Learning Network, but they will also digitally showcase their artifacts locally. By sharing their stories of the pandemic, they will become curators for their own generation, and will inform generations to come about this unprecedented time in history.”

Farnsworth said that students are excited about the project and they’re finding a purpose through voice and creative expression.

“Instead of saying, ‘I don't have a story to tell,’ students are finding that there is much in their lives worth sharing,” she added.

Amy Lin made a poster for her mother’s restaurant illustrating the need for customers to wear a mask. She also plans to write a statement about protecting the community’s health and providing a safe environment.

“I’ve learned that since the outbreak, we need to be as safe as possible,” she said. “And my project shows how important it is.”