Asma Kaukab, an incoming sixth grader from Shaw Avenue School was recently honored as the grand prize winner for grades 4-6 in the Jackie Robinson Breaking Barriers Essay Contest during the 2019 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby. The national contest, sponsored by Scholastic and Major League Baseball, encourages students in grades 4-9 to share their story of how they use Robinson’s values of citizenship, commitment, courage, determination, excellence, integrity, justice, persistence and teamwork, to overcome their own barriers.

Asma received the news of her big win this past spring. As a result of her winning essay, she earned an all-expenses paid trip to the MLB All-Star Game, a new laptop for both her and her teacher, T-shirts for her class, books and a school visit from Mr. Met and Sharon Robinson, author and daughter of legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson. Asma traveled to Cleveland for the big game where she had the opportunity to meet some professional baseball players and walk the field. Before the MLB Home Run Derby, she was recognized in front of thousands on the field with Sharon Robinson by her side. Congratulations, Asma!