ST. PAUL – State Rep. Bob Loonan, R-Shakopee, urges local students to enter an essay contest which could land them recognition at the state Capitol and $1,000 for college.
Minnesota students in grades K-12 are encouraged to submit essays explaining how the State Capitol has shaped our collective past and will impact future generations. Contest winners in elementary school, middle school, and high school categories will be invited to share their works during an Aug. 12 program as part of festivities marking the completion of an extensive $310 million refurbishment of the 112-year old Capitol. Winners in each category also will receive a $1,000 college savings plan.
“I hope all students will consider submitting an entry into this contest,” said Rep. Loonan. “It’s a great opportunity to reflect on our beautiful State Capitol and have the chance to win $1,000 toward college.”
Essay participants are asked to consider the following prompts and craft an essay about one of them:
Essays will be reviewed by a panel of state officials. Each submission must contain the student’s name, school, home address, phone number and current grade on the front page or cover sheet. Middle and high school entries must be typed in a 12-point font, double-spaced on white 8.5-by-11-inch piece of paper. Elementary school entries may be handwritten. Essays should be 250 words or fewer, and will be judged on creativity, clarity, content and adherence to the theme.
All essays must be received via email or postmarked by April 28. Entries should be mailed to the Minnesota Department of Administration, c/o Kathy Morgan. 50 Sherburne Ave, Suite 200, St. Paul, MN 55117. Entries also may be emailed to: capitol.essays@state.mn.us.
More information on the contest also is provided at: http://mn.gov/admin/capitol-restoration/grand-opening/.
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