FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Date:  January 25, 2010

Contact:  Esther B. Coleman, 919-545-8393

PITTSBORO — Beginning today, the Chatham County Human Relations Commission (CCHRC) launches its first annual student competition, Uplifting a Diverse World: Making Our Space a Better Place Student Essay Competition with Cash Prizes. 

“This competition is intended to encourage our youth to think about social and environmental justice issues and to become problem solvers,” said Heather Rodin, chair of the CCHRC.

The essay competition does the following:

• promotes discussion among students about various forms of environmental justice (or the right to a safe, healthy, and sustainable environment for all) and social justice (or civil rights and justice);
• asks students to think about how they can make their world a better place;
• strengthens students’ problem-solving and writing skills while emphasizing empathy and compassion;
• provides students with practice in preparing for the written portion of college entrance exams (SAT/ACT) and post-high school application essays.

Norman Clark, vice chair of the CCHRC commented, “We are pleased that local businesses are supporting this contest by providing cash prizes.  The sponsors, including Newland Communities, are excited to promote an understanding of environmental justice among the youth in Chatham County.”

Winning entries will receive cash awards as follows:

• High School — Grades 9, 10, 11, & 12 — $100 per winner
• Middle School — Grades 6, 7, & 8 — $100 per winner
• Elementary School — Grades 3, 4, & 5 — $100 per winner

Esther Coleman, the county’s human relations director, said, “The essay competition targets grades 3 through 12.  Students in public, private, and charter schools are eligible.  The competition addresses school curriculum standards, such as the National Content Standards and North Carolina Standard Course of Study Goals and provides teachers with instructional supports for teaching students about civics and justice issues.”

The competition winners will be announced in March.  Competition entry guidelines and entry forms are available at every Chatham County school.  To download an entry form Click here, email esther.coleman@chathamnc.org, stop by the County Manager’s Office, or call 919-545-8393 to have a form mailed to you.  The deadline for submitting an entry is February 26, 2010.