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Top Teen Book Entry Wins $5,000 Scholarship and Book Gets Published

Disagreeing dragons, angry insects, a city made of soap and colorful chameleons have all been called to duty to help children learn the value of tolerance and diversity during the six years of the B’nai B’rith International Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge.

In this, the seventh year, the contest returns to Washington, D.C., where local high school students will once again get the chance to write and illustrate original books to help grade school children celebrate tolerance and diversity. The winning author earns a $5,000 scholarship and has his or her book professionally published and distributed to local schools and libraries.

Winners will be announced, and the book unveiled, at an awards ceremony in the spring.

This education and awareness initiative was created in conjunction with B’nai B’rith programs that promote tolerance and communicate a message of equality among all citizens. The contest aims to enlighten, inspire and educate America’s young people and their families in an effort to abolish prejudices and strengthen ties among today’s youth.  

The second place winner receives a $2,000 scholarship, and the third place winner earns a $1,000 scholarship. In addition, the teacher who oversees the creation of the first place submission will receive a $500 stipend to use for classroom or organizational materials, and the school will win a $500 grant.

A diverse panel of judges from the Washington, D.C. worlds of education, the arts, business and government, along with B’nai B’rith International leaders, will review the submissions and select the winners. B’nai B’rith is pleased to work in partnership with PEPCO for the 2012-2013 Diverse Minds Youth Writing Challenge.

Learn more about this contest that can change the lives of young people in our community at the contest kick-off event: Thursday, Nov. 1, from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. at PEPCO Edison Place Gallery, 702 Eighth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20068. Gallery Entrance Between G and H Streets behind PEPCO headquarters entrance.

PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE SANDY.

The deadline for contest submissions is March 22, 2013. Students in grades 9-12 enrolled in D.C. public schools, Montgomery County public schools and Prince George’s County public schools are welcome to participate. Additional program information can be found at www.bnaibrith.org/diverseminds.