AGING & DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
03-23-2009
6th Annual Voices of Children’s Essay/Poetry/Art Contest Launched!
Aging and Disability Services Administration is a co-sponsor of the 6th Annual Voices of Children –Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives- contest honors children in Washington State and the more than 35,000 relative caregivers in Washington State who are raising them.
Children from 5-19 years of age who have lived with a grandparent, aunt, uncle or other relative are encouraged to submit a poem, short essay or draw a picture that describes how living with a relative has made a positive difference in their life. Entries will be judged in three age categories 5-7 year olds, 8-12 year olds, and 13-19 year olds.
Each child who enters the contest will receive a certificate of merit, a journal, and will be included in a booklet called “Voices Of Children”- booklets are available by contacting Shelly Willis @ 1-877-813-2828 or e-mail ShellyWillis1@qwestoffice.net. The children writing winning essays will each receive a signed certificate from Governor Gregoire, a $100 check from Twin Star Credit Union, and other prizes.
What are the rules?
- All participating children must live in Washington State and be 5 -19 years old.
- Poems should be 21 lines or less.
- Essays should be 200 words or less.
- Drawings should be as big and bold as possible and fit on paper 8 1/2 by 11. Please include a statement that explains your drawing.
- Writings may be submitted on the attached entry form (PDF) or on a separate piece of white paper. Drawings should be on white, unlined paper. If the entry form is not used, make sure to include your name, age, address, phone number, and e-mail (if available).
- Entry must be original, in English, and unpublished.
- Winners will be notified in May and all decisions of the judges are final.
- We reserve the right of first publication and use of writings and drawings.
- All entries may be published in a 2009 book called Voices of Children-Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives.
What are the prizes?
The first 200 entries will receive special gifts and will be published in the 2009 Voices of Children-Raised by Grandparents and Other Relatives publication. The top two entries in each age division will receive $100 from Twin Star Credit Union and more!
Questions?
If you have questions, please call Family Education and Support Services at 1-877-813-2828 or e-mail Shelly Willis at ShellyWillis1@qwestoffice.net
One of last year’s winning entries below:
Uncle Mitch is the fuel that keeps the fire of my heart burning. He has always been there. He has loved me every day since he has met me. If the stress is too much he’s there. He’s my light in the dark, my warmth in the cold. I felt unloved by many people for many years. But I always knew he loved me. I always knew he was there for me. He taught me many things in life. But most of all he taught me to love people. I used to be so mean because no one had ever loved me. I was angry at the world. He taught me to forgive. He taught me to love. I love him, I need him. He is the most important person I have in my life.
Mitchell, Age 13 Lacey WA
