Iowa Juneteenth Observance A Program of The Des Moines Urban Experience Magazine “Marking 29 Years of Service to the Iowa Community” 2019 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Contest Sponsored by Drake University To: Iowa High School Students, Grades 9 - 11 From: Nakia Ewing Iowa Juneteenth Observance nakiae78@gmail.com Subject: 2019 Iowa Juneteenth Observance ‘Essay Contest’ Juneteenth’ is an international observance marking the end to slavery on June 19, 1865. Juneteenth will celebrate 154 years of celebration during 2019. The Iowa Juneteenth Observance will mark its 29th anniversary as well. On April 11, 2002, Governor Tom Vilsack signed legislation establishing Juneteenth as an official day of recognition in Iowa that is observed annually on the third Saturday in June. This year’s theme for Iowa Juneteenth 2019 is “Reclaiming Our Time: Together We can do More.” ELIGIBILITY: The essay contest is statewide and open to “all students” enrolled in grades 9 through 11. We encourage essayists to enlist the guidance of a teacher or other adult when completing the essay. The essay contest serves as an inspirational vehicle for youth to strengthen appreciation for: 1) scholarship; 2) cultural diversity; and 3) the enhancement of community relations. ESSAY QUESTION: “Write about an unsung historical figure. Explain their contribution to society and why it’s important to preserve their legacy?” CONTEST RULE REQUIREMENTS: 1) Essays must be a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 700 words; 2) Essays may be typed or word-processed (double spaced); 3) Essayists must use at least 5 sources of information from books, newspapers, magazines, or websites which must be listed (cited) on a separate page and submitted with the essay; 4) Submit a color photo (portrait style – headshot), and 5) Complete the Student Information Form provided with this application which can be accessed at www.iowajuneteenth.com TOP HONORS: Each of the three winning essayists will receive a trophy. In addition, the first-place winner will receive a $1,000.00 cash prize, the second-place winner will receive a $500.00 cash prize, and the third place winner will receive a $250.00 cash prize. The trophies and cash prizes are scheduled to be presented at an Iowa Juneteenth Observance awards ceremony in Des Moines (TBA) and winning essayists must be present to receive their trophies/cash prizes. DEADLINE: Submit your essay, along with the Student Information Form, your photo, and your list of reading sources, by email, on or before Friday May 3rd, 2019, to Nakia Ewing at nakiae78@gmail.com or send the original essay by regular mail (postmarked by May 3, 2019) to: The Urban Experience Magazine Iowa Juneteenth Essay Contest PO Box 3092, Des Moines, Iowa 50316 Note: Students who are family members of the: 1) Iowa Juneteenth Observance Planning Committee; The Urban Experience Magazine, or Drake University administration, faculty, or staff - are ineligible for the essay contest. For additional information, please contact: Nakia Ewing at nakiae78@gmail.com ****Complete the Student Information Form**** 2018 Iowa Juneteenth Observance Essay Contest Sponsored by Drake University April 2019 The URBAN EXPERIENCE 41
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