Dunbar Middle School student a governor’s Black History Month essay competition winner

Nishini Fernando is a very accomplished eighth-grader. She has lots of trophies and medals for math, science, writing competitions and more. But one of her latest honors comes straight from the governor’s office.

Nishini, who is an 8th grader at Dunbar Middle School, is one of three winners of Governor Ron DeSantis’ Black History Month essay competition, and she’s the only essay winner from Lee County.

She said, “I was really surprised and excited because this was a moment of perseverance for me because last year did not work out and I just wanted to try again this year and it worked out.”

Students had to write about an African American person who has helped shape Florida’s history.

Nishini picked Shevaun Harris, the secretary for the Department of Children and Families.

She started with a poem; “Broken voices creak once more, silenced in the bustling world of chaos.”

Then wrote about how Harris is a voice for those affected by human trafficking, domestic abuse, drugs, and more.

Her essay earned her a full ride to any Florida public university as her prize.

Nishini said it opens a lot of possibilities “because UF is one of my biggest colleges that I am looking into.”

But more importantly, she said the woman she wrote about inspires her by her work.

“You can open doors not only for yourself but for a lot of other people and give them hope that they once may not have had,” Nishini explained.

As she continues to achieve and win lots of trophies and medals, she hopes she can inspire others too.

Nishini said she wants to be a doctor when she grows up.

The governor also held a Black History Month art contest for elementary school students.

Allen Park Elementary School student Zuri Jackson is one of two winners of that competition.