For more than a decade, the Richmond Peace Education Center’s annual essay contest has encouraged Virginia’s youth to think more deeply about the meaning and importance of peace while strengthening their writing skills.
This year’s theme, Living in a World of Diversity, prompts students to consider how Americans can look beyond our divisions to build unity and respect as individuals, communities and a country.
An official entry form, along with the full writing prompt and contest rules is available at the Peace Center’s web site, www.rpec.org.
The contest is open to all public, private and home-schooled students in Virginia from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Many teachers use the writing prompt as an assignment or extra-credit option in the classroom in order to provide a meaningful subject for students to write about as they develop their language and composition skills.
Entries are divided into four age groups, with eight cash prizes in each division. The top two essays in each school level are also invited to read their essays on WRIR, Richmond Independent Radio.
Entries will be judged on content, composition, style and grammar, with emphasis on a thoughtful and creative approach to the theme. Two copies of all essays are due by April 19, 2010, at the Richmond Peace Education Center office: 400 W. 32nd St. Richmond, VA 23225.
Paul Fleisher Assistant to the Directorrpec@rpec.org or (804) 232-1002.
The Richmond Peace Education Center is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization.
