Five Western students—Chanelle Boone, Erica Jones, Rikkia Nicholson, Stephanie Peels, and Ashley Watkins-Butler—were named finalists in the 16th Annual "Champions of Courage" Black History Month Competition.

Each girl will be honored and will receive a $50 Savings Bond on February 22 at a ceremony to be held at the Hyatt Regency in the Inner Harbor. In addition, the finalists will have the opportunity to present their winning essays on Fox 45 and WB 54 during February.

Western had the greatest number of finalists (5 of the 28 chosen) in the competition.

Read Chanelle's, Rikkia's, and Stephanie's essays.