Schoharie Elementary student Michaela Burton has earned the title of “Most Philosophical Kindergartener in America” from the Kids Philosophy Slam for her drawing depicting that love has a greater impact on the community than hate because “Friends that play together spread love.”
Michaela will be honored at an assembly on Wednesday, June 19, at 8:30 a.m. in Schoharie Elementary School’s 1952 gym. The monthly assembly celebrates all that is positive at the school and with its students and staff. Michaela will also be recognized at kindergarten graduation on June 25 at 9 a.m.
“We are so proud of Michaela, her message and her national award,” said Elementary Principal Andrea Polikoski. “Schoharie Elementary is a No Place for Hate school that follows the principles of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program, all with a goal of being a positive place of learning for all students.”
Michaela and a number of her schoolmates entered the national competition to illustrate or explain, “Hate or Love: Which has a Greater Impact on Society?” Her artwork can be seen on the Kids Philosophy Slam website .
The Kids Philosophy Slam “is an annual program designed to make philosophy fun and accessible to all kids in grades K-12, as well as to help promote critical thinking skills and encourage dialogue with other students and adults,” according to the program’s website.
“The Mission of the Kids Philosophy Slam is to give kids a voice, and to inspire them to think by unlocking their intellectual and creative potential through a unique yet powerful philosophical forum.”
The Philosophy Slam asks students to answer a philosophical question such as “Hate or Love: Which has a Greater Impact on Society?” Students express themselves in words, artwork, poetry or song. A national winner is announced for each grade level, and the top four high school students debate the question at national finals. That winner earns the title of “The Most Philosophical Student in America,” and schools compete for the title of “The Most Philosophical School in America.”