ANNAPOLIS — All Maryland middle school students are invited to enter a statewide writing contest focusing on the themes of peace and social justice.
The contest, which is 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 23rd 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. The winners will be honored at a special ceremony, although attendance is not required to receive an award.
To enter, students must submit an entry of up to 1,200-words on this topic:
“The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees our most fundamental liberties, including prohibiting the government from restricting freedom of speech or the press, the free exercise of religion, the right to assemble peacefully, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. However, these freedoms have been threatened throughout American history. Which one of these do you believe faces the greatest challenges at this time? Support your views with examples from current events. What actions do you suggest to protect the freedom you selected”?
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, 2019 and mailed to Fred B. Benjamin Peace Writing Contest, 310 Riverview Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403-3328.