Fred B. Benjamin Peace Writing Contest

Who do you think is the most interesting recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize? Write an essay explaining your choice and win up to $300.

Contest  The Fred B. Benjamin Peace Writing Contest is an annual competition for middle school students in Maryland. The contest is sponsored by Anne Arundel Peace Action, Montgomery County Peace Action, Maryland Peace Action Education Fund and Benjamin Peace Foundation.

Eligibility  All 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in public or private schools in Maryland or home-schooled students at the same grade levels are eligible to enter.

Requirements  Students must write no more than 1,200 words on the following topic:

In your opinion, who is the most interesting recipient of the Nobel Peace prize? Give your reasons.

Inventor Alfred B. Nobel established a monetary prize for persons who are judged to have benefited humankind in the promotion of peace. The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded since 1901. A list and description of all recipients are at www.almaz.com/nobel/peace.html.

The entry should be double-spaced on a word processor or typewriter. Your name and other personal identifying information must NOT appear anywhere on the essay itself. Include a separate personal-information page which contains: the student’s name, address and phone number (or e-mail address); the school’s name, address and phone number; the name of the teacher sponsor, if applicable.

Deadline   Entries must be postmarked no later than May 15, 2005. Send entry and personal-information page to Anne Arundel Peace Action, 310 Riverview Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403-3328.  (410 263 7409, e-mail: mjkeller@worldnet.att.net; www2.ari.net/leeirwin/peaceannapolis)

Awards   Winners will be selected by a panel of three distinguished judges. Winners will receive prizes of:  First place: $300. Second place: $200. Third place: $100. Winners will be recognized at an awards ceremony; attendance is not required to receive an award.

Friends Entries Online  In addition to mailing essays to Anne Arundel Peace Action, middle schoolers in the Stony Run and Friends School communities are invited to email an electronic copy to the Stony Run Peace and Social Order Committee. All essays received from this community will (after obtaining a release from student and parent) be posted on the Stony Run Friends web site. Email your essay to  Stony Run Friends Meeting.