iPod Contest Winners

The Education Equality Project would like to thank everyone who submitted suggestions to our contest to select EEP's unofficial anthem.  We received hundreds of terrific entries and it’s been a challenge picking the winners, but we did it!  Check out the Winner, two Runners-Up, and the overall Top 10 song selections below. And you can even click through to purchase the Top 10 playlist.  Simply search for the iMix titled "EEP's unofficial anthem" in your iTunes.

Every child deserves a good teacher. Every cause needs a great jam.

WINNER

John Legend "If You're Out There"

Submitted by Donna Allen (Atlanta, GA)

Entry: "The song is a call to action, a call to arms for anyone who has a mind to contribute and the motivation to actually do it. What we're trying to say is that the time is now, we've already waited long enough to start working on the issues that we need to handle as a country and as a globe. We're talking about poverty, ending the war, and we need more people out there who are clamoring for change." ~John Legend

Donna Allen, the winner of EEP’s Unofficial Anthem contest, is the assistant principal of the Enota Multiple Intelligences Academy, a charter elementary school, in Gainesville, GA.  Donna’s school, nick-named “Smartville,” brings Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences into the everyday life of the school.  Edutopia has the full report here and a video of Smartville students in action is a must-watch here.

FIRST RUNNER-UP

The Brand New Heavies "You Are the Universe"

Submitted by Camille Esch (Sacramento, CA)

Entry: You’d have to be soul-less not to love the energy, optimism, and funky base line of this song. It’s packed with positive messages for youth (or anyone fighting against long odds), from “you’re a driver, not a passenger in life” to “there ain’t nothing you can’t do.” Best of all is its references to “the hidden treasure” and “secret weapon” — apt metaphors for a quality education.

SECOND RUNNER-UP

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes "Wake Up Everybody"

Submitted by Geraldine Kuerzi (Orlando, FL)

Entry: As a teacher, this song moves my body and spirit, inspiring me and my students — for equality, fairness, and love of learning. The kids really get this song — wake up and try to teach a new way!

TOP 10 WINNERS

John Legend "If You're Out There"

The Brand New Heavies "You Are the Universe"

Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes "Wake Up Everybody"

Black Eyed Peas "Where Is The Love?"

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young "Teach Your Children"

India Arie "Strength, Courage & Wisdom"

K'naan "Wavin' Flag"

Michael Jackson "We Are the World"

NAS "I Can"

Whitney Houston "Greatest Love of All"

Interested in downloading EEP's Top 10 playlist? Just search for the iMix titled "EEP's unofficial anthem" in your iTunes!

(Please note the Top 10, following the winner and runners-up, are listed alphabetically, the ordering does not represent rank.)