Dear ASPIRAntes and Teachers of ASPIRAntes:
As part of our strategic alliance with Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños at Hunter College (CUNY), we have joined Centro in the celebration of Puerto Rican Heritage Month, November 2010.
First Annual National Essay Competition: To involve our students in the PR Heritage Month celebration, we (ASPIRA National) would like to sponsor an essay competition among Aspirantes on a topic related to Puerto Rican heritage.ASPIRA high school students, with the support of a teacher at school or advisor would compete nationally. It can be students from ASPIRA schools or from schools where we have an ASPIRA Club.
Who: ASPIRA high school juniors and seniors
Topics for Puerto Rican students:
- What does it mean to me to be Puerto Rican;
- Why I am proud to be Puerto Rican;
- How has my family history shaped who I am and what I want to be;
- A Puerto Rican who has made a positive difference in our community and why;
- Topic on the History of Puerto Ricans.
Topics for Non-Puerto Rican students:
- A Puerto Rican who has made a positive difference in our community and why;
- A Puerto Rican that has helped me;
- Topic in the history of Puerto Ricans.
Language, Length and Format: The essay may be in English or Spanish, 6 pages single spaced, 2,000 words maximun in 12 points font.
Deadline for submission: November 24, 2010.
Selection: A panel of Puerto Rican experts and scholars from Centro would select the finalists.
Finalists and winner: five (5) finalists, among which 1 winner would be selected nationally.
Prizes:
- First Place: The winner would receive a $500 scholarship and his/her teacher would receive a $500 cash prize.
- Second Place: a $250 scholarship for the student and a cash prize of $250 for his/her teacher
- Third Place: a $150 scholarship for the student and a cash prize of $150 for his/her teacher
Award Notification: The prizes would be awarded via a national webinar broadcast by HITN Network. The winner will read portions of his/her essay.