Nenas Ajja, a junior at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, took first place and received $500.00 in the Feb. 17 Speech Trek Contest sponsored by the La Mesa-El Cajon Branch of the American association of University Women.

Ajja was one of three finalists to compete. Second place was awarded to Isabella Guevara, also a junior at Granite Hills High School. Kyra Sharma, a junior at La Jolla High School in San Diego, placed third. The contest was open to all high school students.

The topic, “How can we ensure a robust public-school curriculum that is accessible to all and teaches historically accurate information?” inspired lively speeches infused with individual experiences.

Videos of the first-place branch winners from throughout California are reviewed by state judges to determine the top three places. The three finalists will receive cash awards of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively.

Granite Hills AVID teacher, Debbie Burton coached both Ajja and Guevara.

Ajja’s video is viewable on YouTube, https://youtu.be/DumfbclYPAU.

Winners at the state level are announced during the AAUW California annual meeting on April 27.