Young Voices Imagine a Better Kern County in Annual Essay, Speech Contest

Growing up in Kern County means understanding both the pride people have in their community and the challenges they hope to improve for future generations. So, when students in the Kern County Superintendent of Schools annual Speech and Essay Writing Contest were asked to imagine how they would improve Kern County if money grew on trees, they responded with ideas that were ambitious, thoughtful, and deeply community minded.

Some imagined planting massive urban forests to cool Bakersfield’s triple-digit summers and clean the air. Others envisioned affordable healthcare, expanded homeless shelters, cleaner neighborhoods, stronger schools, and more opportunities for families struggling to get ahead.

Those ideas took center stage during the speech portion of the competition held Wednesday, where elementary students recited essays based on the common prompt.

KCSOS Coordinator Ryan Murry explained that the competition challenged students in grades four through six to research local issues, organize evidence-based arguments, and present their ideas through both writing and public speaking. Essays were first evaluated by a panel of KCSOS employees before top students advanced to present their work orally at the county event.

“This contest gives students an opportunity to think critically about the challenges facing their community while also recognizing the power their ideas can have,” Murry said. 

Fourth-grade winner Saanvi Vyas focused her essay on improving healthcare in Kern County, highlighting concerns ranging from diabetes and cancer rates to Valley fever and substance abuse. She proposed expanding affordable healthcare resources, building rehabilitation centers, increasing public health education, and creating more opportunities for healthy living.

Fifth-grade winner Steven Mohanraj envisioned transforming Kern County through environmental improvements, expanded education funding, and stronger support systems for vulnerable residents. His essay proposed planting large urban forests to improve air quality and reduce heat, investing in schools and hospitals, and creating shelters and education centers for people experiencing homelessness.

Sixth-grade champion Sofia Rosado centered her essay on homelessness and illegal dumping, describing the visible impact both issues have on Kern County communities. She advocated for more supportive homeless shelters, expanded mental health resources, additional surveillance in dumping hotspots, and stronger community involvement to improve public spaces and neighborhood safety.

“What stood out this year was how thoughtful and solution-oriented the students were,” Murry said. “They didn’t just identify problems. They spoke with empathy, creativity, and a genuine desire to make Kern County a better place for everyone.”

Congratulations to all 2026 participants:

Fourth Grade
1st Place — Saanvi Vyas, Ronald Reagan Elementary
2nd Place — Reese Gonsalves, Discovery Elementary
3rd Place — Tryniti Gray, Leo B. Hart Elementary

Fifth Grade
1st Place — Steven Mohanraj, Ronald Reagan Elementary
2nd Place — Quinn McMillan, Endeavour Elementary
3rd Place — Ananya Jeyaprassad, Discovery Elementary

Sixth Grade
1st Place — Sofia Rosado, Discovery Elementary
2nd Place — Adelina Skenfield, Ronald Reagan Elementary
3rd Place — Alex Stroub, Veterans Elementary