In Your Words writing contest

Are you a student in Pickering? Do you like to write? Can you imagine Pickering in the year 2025? If you say yes to these questions then you should enter, the "In Your Words" writing contest. You can write an essay, story or poem on the topic, "Imagining my diverse Community in the year 2025..."

This contest is presented by the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations and Equity, the Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic School Board.

Guidelines:

1. Students are to submit a piece of writing (e.g. poem, story, essay) on the topic, "Imagining my diverse community in the year 2025..."
2. Entries will be separated into three (3) categories:
   • Elementary: Grade 2 - 5
   • Elementary: Grade 6 - 8
   • Secondary: Grade 9 - 12
3. Entries should speak to issues of diversity, equity and/or race relations.
4. Entries that speak to personal experiences or personal thoughts about the topic are recommended
5. Submissions are to be a maximum of 600 words, typed, double spaced, size 12 font(approximately 2 pages) and must include student’s name, teacher’s name & contact information, school and grade level on both pages.
6. Entries will be reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges.
7. First, Second and Third places will be chosen for each category with an option to award an “Honourable Mention”. An acknowledgment will be provided to all participants of the contest.
8. One submission per student will be accepted.
9. Only entries submitted by 4:00 pm on December 3, 2007 will be reviewed. All entries will become the property of the Pickering Advisory Committee on Race Relations & Equity, Durham District School Board and the Durham Catholic District School Board and may be used in promotional materials.

Timeline:

• All entries must be submitted by 4:00 pm on December 3, 2007 to Marisa Carpino City of Pickering, One the Esplanade, Pickering, ON L1V 6K7.
• Only mailed or hand delivered original submissions in hard copy form will be accepted (no faxes or emails).
• Judges will review entries and select winners in each category by February 2008.

Incentives:

• Contest winners will be invited to share their submissions at the Race Relations Forum hosted by the Pickering Advisory
• Committee on Race Relations & Equity on March 19, 2008 at the Pickering Civic Complex.
• Winning entries will be displayed in the lobby of the Pickering Civic Complex and featured on the City of Pickering website for the month of March 2008.
• The Winner of each category will have their entry printed in the News Advertiser and other possible publications.

For more information contact:
Marisa Carpino
Supervisor, Culture & Recreation
City of Pickering
905.420.4660 ext. 2099
mcarpino@city.pickering.on.ca