The Sheriff’s Youth Foundation (SYF) in its partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has launched an essay contest to honor the great life and teachings of Dr. Maya Angelou.
Angelou, a world-renowned author and poet, passed away Wednesday, May 28. She was 86.
The essay contest is open to youth, ages 7 to 17, who reside in Los Angeles County. The contest will allow children the opportunity to learn more about Angelou’s life and the challenges that she overcame, as well as how she championed for civil rights and truth.
“We truly hope that her legacy will inspire the children of our great county to overcome whatever challenge in life they might face and see the vast opportunity that our community offers to them,” said Dr. Kathleen Van Antwerp, Program Director of the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation.
“Dr. Angelou’s life is an inspiration to all and her great legacy will live in our hearts always,” said Sheriff John L. Scott.
Contest participants are invited to submit essays between 500 and 700 words long. Reports that are slightly longer or shorter will not be disqualified.
The deadline for submitting essays is Friday, June 27, 2014, at 5 p.m.
An evaluation committee comprised of SYF staff and volunteers will select three finalists. The essay review will be based on the impact that the author has personally gained through reading of the life, words, or wisdom of Dr. Maya Angelou.
The three finalists will each receive an iPad Mini tablet and their work will be highlighted on the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation website.
For information on how to submit an essay or to read all the guidelines, requirements and rules for the contest, visit www.SheriffsYouthFoundation.org/essay. View a flyer for the contest here.
Maya Angelou recites her poem, “And Still I Rise.”
Daa says
Couldn’t you open up an adult section to your essay contest? I’m sure many adults would like to pay tribute to Maya Angelou in this way.