The Interested Citizens for Voter Registration Inc. — Arkansas’ lead affiliate with the National Alliance of Faith and Justice Pen or Pencil: Writing A New History initiative — encourages middle and high school students in the Pine Bluff area to write essays on gun violence.
The essay theme is: “From Non-violence to No Violence — Using Words not Weapons to Solve Problems.”
Students should include their name, grade and a contact number.
Sixth- through eighth-grade students’ essays should be 250 words. Ninth- through 12th-grade students’ essays should be 500 words. All essays should be typed and double-spaced.
Students not following directions will be disqualified.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Essays will be judge on: neatness, adherence to theme, clarity, organization, development of ideas, creativity and grammar. Essays should be postmarked by or delivered to the ICVR office at 2315 S. Olive St. by 5 p.m. Monday, April 29.
Winners in grades six through eight will receive: first place — $50; second place — $35; third place — $20.
Winners in grades nine through 12 will receive: first place — $50; second place — $35; third place — $20.
All winners will be announced and prizes awarded on Saturday, May 4, at the Civic Center Complex following the Children’s March Against Gun Violence.