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Writing Contest

Cultural Center announces writing contest for middle schoolers

The Irish Cultural Center at Elms College announces its sixth annual writing contest for seventh and eighth grade students. Entrants are asked to write a two-page, typed, double-spaced essay comparing hunger in some corner of our world with the Great Famine of Ireland 1845-1849. Over the past four years we have received over 200 papers each year where students have addressed diverse topics: how to work for peace; the importance of one's ethnic background; the importance of friendship; a comparison of the treatment of Irish immigrants with another ethnic group; and the contributions of the Irish to American life. Writers have included students from both public and private schools in the area, as well as home schooled youngsters: entries have been submitted from as far west as the Berkshires, and in the east from Belchertown and Ware.

Students are asked to include on a separate page name, address, telephone, school, grade, teacher's name. In March prizes will be awarded to the three best essays: $100, $75, $50. Winners will read their essays on March 11 at the Irish tea party held at Elms College in Chicopee from 2-4 p.m.

The Irish Cultural Center at Elms College conducts the writing contest in order to raise awareness of some aspect of Celtic culture, not only among the student writers, but also for teachers and parents. The target audience includes children of all ethnic backgrounds. We hope that this year's topic will foster discussion of a major problem in our world that of hunger. Students will find material on the specific problems that cause hunger today, as well as the unique conditions that led to the Famine in Ireland. They may choose to examine those ideas, the outcome of such problems, and or possible solutions to hunger; or any related idea of their choice.

Entries are due Dec. 15 to the Irish Cultural Center at Elms College at the above address. Flyers have been sent to local schools. For further information call Sister Judith Kappenman at 265-2537; www.irish-cairde@elms. edu.