Standout Spartan: Nadine Odibo '26

Nadine Odibo ’26 has always enjoyed writing. When she heard about Steward’s Middle School essay contest, she knew just what to do. 

“I felt my mom’s story was one that should be shared with others,” explained Nadine, whose mother is from Nigeria and moved to the United States when she was 21 years old. The contest, titled, “I like living in America because …,” tasked students with creating a handwritten essay in 30 minutes, under teacher supervision, on one side of a sheet of notebook paper. Entries were judged by Middle School English teachers and administration. 

Middle School English Teacher Mary Hopkins says the contest was an opportunity for students to “practice timed writing with little preparation.  Making sure the essay was cohesive and coherent in the specified time frame was a challenge.”

In her essay, Nadine wrote, “My mom makes me like living in America because she shows me how tough it could be and how she had an opportunity and she took it.” Her winning essay was submitted to the Hanover Post of the American Legion and will be entered in their regional contest, which will be held in February. 

Nadine, who serves as an admissions ambassador at Steward, says the best thing about being a Spartan is “being part of a community that is so accepting and welcoming to everyone.”