All Maryland middle school students are invited to enter a statewide writing contest focusing on the themes of peace and social justice. The contest, sponsored by Anne Arundel Peace Action, the Maryland Peace Action Education Fund, the Benjamin Peace Foundation and the Peace and Justice Center of Annapolis Friends Meeting, is open to all 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in public or private schools in Maryland and to home-schooled students corresponding to the same grade levels. This is the 20th consecutive year the contest has been conducted.
Four cash prizes will be awarded: $350 for first place, $250 for second place, $150 for third place, and $100 for fourth place.
To enter, students must submit an entry of up to 1,200 words on the topic: “The United States is considering resettling as many as 10,000 refugees this year from the Syrian civil war. Approximately half of these refugees are children. Suppose that some of these children become students at your school. And suppose that your principal asks you to serve on a committee to develop a plan to welcome the new students and help them become part of your school and your community. Describe a plan of action that you would suggest to the committee to attain these goals.”
Entries must be accompanied by a separate cover sheet including the student’s name, address and phone number or e-mail address; school’s name, address and phone number; and the name of the teacher sponsor if applicable.
Entries and accompanying materials must be postmarked no later than April 30, 2016 and mailed to Fred B. Benjamin Peace Writing Contest, 310 Riverview Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403-3328.
Anne Arundel Peace Action and the Maryland Peace Action Education Fund are affiliated with Peace Action, the country’s largest grassroots peace and disarmament organization with approximately 100,000 members nationwide.
Call 410-263-7409 or e-mail mjkeller@att.net for more.