FAO Launches 2010 Writing Contest
Dreaming, scheming, believing and achieving! If you could invent something, what would it be and what problem would it solve? The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio invites you to answer that question in its 5th Annual Child of Appalachia® Writing Contest. The contest is open to all 4th through 9th grade students who live and attend school throughout the 32 counties of Appalachian Ohio.
Through the generous partnership of the Walmart Foundation, participating students and teachers have the opportunity to win over 380 available awards. Also, as a result of AEP Ohio’s continued support, the Foundation will again host a poetry contest for regional 9th grade students, in honor of Ora E. Anderson – renowned writer and naturalist.
“At the Foundation, we believe one of the most critical things we can do is encourage our region’s young people to believe in their ability to succeed,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO President and CEO. “Through the Child of Appalachia Writing Contest, FAO is working to prompt thoughts and conversation in classrooms across the region with positive messages to instill the mindsets and confidence necessary for success.”
Due to partnership with the Walmart Foundation, awards will be offered for winners, both students and teachers, from each grade level in each of the 32 counties in Appalachian Ohio (384 total awards available).
Walmart’s support will provide a $50.00 gift card to each winning student, one per grade level in each county. Additionally, Walmart’s generosity will provide the teacher of each winning student a $500 mini-grant to spend on activities and items to enrich curriculum in his or her classroom. Further, teachers who have their entire classroom participate will be entered into a drawing to receive a free field trip, with a total of three field trips to be awarded.
“Walmart is proud to once again support the Foundation in creating access to the educational opportunities needed for success,” said David Gose, Regional General Manager for Walmart’s southern Ohio region. “We appreciate and share in the belief that education is critical to the well-being of all and hope students and teachers across the region will participate in this year’s contest.”
This year’s prompt asks students to write about an invention they would create and tell about the problem it would solve. All submissions must be postmarked no later than Friday, December 3rd.
View detailed information on the 2010 Contest, including guidelines and entry forms. Questions may be directed to Wendy Harbarger, Foundation Services Assistant, at 740.753.1111.