South Boston Citizens’ Association President Tom McGrath announced today that because of the tremendous success of the past several years’ contest, the association, along with Mass Bay Credit Union and Comcast, will once again sponsor the 2016 Annual Essay and Poster Contests.
After last year’s outstanding effort put forth by past President Bernie O’Donnell, he has once again expressed an interest of taking on the challenge of chairing The Essay and Poster Contests.
“Bernie always taught me that these contests are a great way to educate and strengthen the interest of the children of the community, I was more than pleased when Bernie offered to once again head up this event for the children of South Boston,” McGrath said. “One of the missions of the SBCA is to reach out to the younger folks of this historically rich community, joining the SBCA in promoting, organizing, and judging the Evacuation Day Poster and Essay Competitions is a most fitting way to improve on that mission.”
The poster competition is open to all students in grades 3, 4 and 5 who are either South Boston residents or who attend school in South Boston. This year’s theme is “Illustrate Historic South Boston.” Such examples can be of the following: Dorchester Heights, Fort Independence, Farragut Statue, Curley Recreation Center, one the War Memorials (Korean, Vietnam, etc.) and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Posters should be original compositions, in any medium, at least 8 ½” x 11”, but preferably larger. Prizes are: first prize $100, second prize $75, and third prize $25.
The essay competition is open to all students in grades 6 through 12, who are either South Boston residents or who attend school in South Boston. The essay themes are broken down according to grade. For students in grades 6 through 8: What is the historical significance of Henry Knox and general George Washington to Dorchester Heights? Essays should be at least 500 word. Prizes are: first prize $100, second prize $75, third prize $25.
The topic for student in grades 9 through 12: What is the historical significance of Fort Independence to the City of Boston and the United States? Essays should be at least 1,000 words. Prizes are: first prize $150, second prize 100, third prize $50.
As in years past, the SBCA, Mass Bay CU and Comcast are generously sponsoring the competitions. All prizes will be presented during the Historical Exercises on Thursday, March 17, at Dorchester Heights, following the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Augustine’s Chapel, weather permitting.
All entries should bear, in an attached envelope, the contestant’s name, school and a means of contacting the entrant, and should be submitted no later than Friday, March 11 at 5 p.m.. All entries may be mailed to P.O. Box 74, South Boston, MA 02127, or can be picked up at schools by a representative of the Citizens’ Association. Entries can also be dropped off at 170 M St.
