Essay contest winner meets her idol

Published 7:30 pm Tuesday, June 25, 2024

Olivia Johnston, who’s essay on 2005 Governor’s School for the Arts graduate-turned-Broadway star Adrienne Warren won this year’s Smithfield Times Black History Month essay contest in February, recently met her idol through GSA. Johnston, now a rising senior at Smithfield High School and GSA, had chosen Warren in response to this year’s essay prompt asking students to describe an African American in history, your life or your community who has made a positive impact and how that person personally inspired you. “She is every bit the star that I had imagined her to be, inside and out,” Johnston said. Pictured are Johnston, at left, with Warren. (Photo courtesy of Olivia Johnston)