Fred B. Benjamin Peace Writing Contest for Maryland Middle School Students
What is the contest?
It is an annual, statewide writing contest for middle school students in Maryland focusing on the themes of peace and social justice. The contest is currently sponsored by the Peace Action chapters in Anne Arundel and Montgomery Counties, the Maryland Peace Action Education Fund, and the Benjamin Peace Foundation. 2006 was the 10th consecutive year in which the contest has been conducted. Click here to read the winning entry for 2006. Click here to read the first and second place winning entries for 2006.
Who is eligible to participate in the middle school contest?
The contest is open to all 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in public or private schools in Maryland or home-schooled students at the same grade levels. Information announcing the contest is mailed to the principals of all Maryland public middle schools and state-approved private middle schools. A press release about the contest is sent to approximately 75 print media outlets in the State.
What do contestants have to do?
Students are usually asked to submit an essay of no more than 1,200 words. This year's topic:
Imagine that you are a "pen pal" with a student in Iraq. You have sent an e-mail message inquiring about how his or her life has changed as a result of the war and subsequent events. Write an essay about what you believe your pen pal will say.
Last year's topic:
Imagine that you are a "pen pal" with a student in Iraq. You have sent an e-mail message inquiring about how his or her life has changed as a result of the war and subsequent events. Write an essay about what you believe your pen pal will say.
Alternative approaches have been used. In one year, students were asked to write a poem or rap song; in another year, students were invited to provide the ending to a short story.
How many winners are selected and what are the prizes?
Contest winners are honored at an annual ceremony. Winners receive prizes of $300 (first place), $200 (second place), and $100 (third place).
How is the contest judged?
Each essay is reviewed by two readers who score it on several criteria, including ideas, clarity of expression, and compliance with the contest requirements. Each reader is asked to review between 10 and 20 essays. The essays with the top scores are evaluated by a panel of three judges who select the winners.
Has the contest been successful?
Yes. An average of 250 entries has been submitted each year. The number has ranged from 114 to 697 over the years.
Want more information or wish to volunteer to be a reader?
Contact Mike Keller at 410-263-7409 or mjkeller@att.net
