Book Awards
Emma Ruff Essay Writing Contest
Emma Ruff was New Haven's first African-American teacher and Connecticut's first female high school principal. She taught English at James Hillhouse High School and was named principal of the school from 1977-1981. Ms. Ruff was also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and a charter member of Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter. An essay writing contest was established in her name to pay tribute to her contributions in education in the New Haven community.
The Emma Ruff Essay Writing Contest is open to all students at James Hillhouse High School. Students submit a typed, original essay consisting of 500-1,000 words. Some of the judging criteria include insightfulness and creativity, organization and development of ideas expressed, consistency in the use of language, and variety in sentence structure and range of vocabulary. A student at James Hillhouse High School who is interested in entering the contest should contact his or her guidance counselor or e-mail scholarship@akanewhaven.org. 
2011 Essay Contest Topic: The pros and cons of social networking and how it has directly or indirectly impacted your life.
| 2011 Contest Winners |
Name |
Grade |
| First Prize |
Kenechukwu Okeke |
10th Grade |
| Second Prize |
Ishtar S. Edwards |
12th Grade |
| Third Prize |
Asia Dixon |
12th Grade |
Other Book Awards
When extra fundraising resources are available, Theta Epsilon Omega Chapter will award smaller book awards to runner-up scholarship applicants and other deserving students through writing, poetry and poster contests.
2011 Book Awardees
Joel Clarke is enrolled at Luther College
Taylor Goodridge is enrolled at Smith College
Aubrey Roscoe is enrolled at Southern Connecticut State University
