Will your church sponsor the Lancaster County Peace Essay Contest of 2012?
The 28th Annual Peace Essay Contest gives you the opportunity to build the peace testimony in Lancaster County churches, congregations and schools, in youth art activities and in local businesses. The Peace Essay Contest rewards young people for their talents with cash prizes and awards.
Join a distinguished list of past sponsors. Past sponsors include East Chestnut Street Mennonite Church, Highland Presbyterian Church, UCC Church of the Apostles, St. John’s Episcopal Church, Lancaster Friends Meeting, Congregation Shaarai Shomayim, Lancaster Church of the Brethren, and Grandview Heights United Methodist Church.
Reach out to a broad spectrum of Lancaster County students. The Peace Essay Contest is open to high school and middle school students from private, public, and those studying at home school. Adults can participate, too.
Engage with Lancaster County classroom teachers. The contest begins in time to be included in the Winter and Spring Semesters. There were 75 entries last year from Lancaster County schools.
Choose the theme of the contest. Encourage young people to reflect on peace within, in the home, in their neighborhoods, and in the world. While past essay contests required students to write 500 to 1,000 word essays, the contest could ask students to make videos or photographs.
Work with local residents & the business community. They have been generous in their financial support of the Contest, making it a virtually self-sustaining project.
Plan the Awards Ceremony. The contest ends in April when you select a panel of distinguished judges to select the prize-winners. The Awards Ceremony takes place in May. Prize money is awarded. Choose an inspiring speaker to address the young writers and artists.
For further information, contact Robert Lowing at r.lowing2@verizon.net or call 717-394-6070.