Congratulations to Emma Snavely, a fifth-grader at John Stanford International School, who took second place in a national creative writing competition sponsored by the American Immigration Council.

The American Immigration Council asked fifth-grade students to write about why they were glad America is a nation of immigrants, and encouraged entrants to share their personal experiences, family histories, or their views on the challenges incoming immigrants face when they arrive in the U.S. Emma wrote two very moving poems titled “Crossing the Line” and “This One Boat”, both of which you can read here.

Students enter their work in local contests …