The Tribune-Democrat
WINDBER —
With Breast Cancer Awareness Month on the horizon, Windber Research Institute is holding an essay contest for kids 14 and younger.
The purpose of the contest is to enhance awareness of breast cancer among young people and to highlight the health care-related work of the late U.S. Rep. John P. Murtha, institute officials said.
“Anything involving kids would always bring a smile to Jack’s face,” said Joyce Murtha, the congressman’s widow. “And combining them with health care makes the tribute all the more special.”
Entries can be made in two age divisions: 11 and younger, and 12 to 14.
Judges will pick up to five “finalist” essays in each division and those authors will then go to the institute and read their essays in front of the judges.
The winners in each division will receive iPods and commemorative plaques. They also will resent their essays at WRI’s second annual Pink Tie Affair on Oct. 1.
Essays are due by Sept. 15 and can be submitted to Lacey Slavich, Windber Research Institute, 620 Seventh St.,
Windber, PA 15963, or by e-mail to l.slavich@wriwindber.org.
Writers 11 and younger are asked to answer this question: “What is the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?” Those in the younger division can write up to three pages.
Writers 12 to 14 are asked to answer this question: “What impact will the late Congressman John P. Murtha’s work in health care have on your future?” Those in the older division can write up to five pages.
Specific directions can be found in the box at the end of this story.
“We planned on paying tribute to Mr. Murtha at our annual event, but wanted to do something unique and different,” said Tom Kurtz, WRI’s president and CEO.
“We know the congressman had a passion both for children and for health care, and thought that this would be something he would have enjoyed.”
For more information, contact Slavich at WRI by calling 361-6971.
The write stuff
What: Essay contest related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, sponsored by Windber Research Institute.
Who can enter: Anyone 14 and younger. Essays will be judged in two age divisions.
Writers 11 and younger: Will answer the question “What is the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?” The essay text is limited to three double-spaced, 12-point font, single-sided, numbered pages with one-inch margins. The title page is not included in the three pages. Each essay must include a title page, not considered text, with the following information: Essay title; author's name/age; school name; home address; home telephone number; total number of pages of essay.
Writers 12 to 14: Will answer the question: “What impact will the late Congressman John P. Murtha’s work in health care have on your future?” The essay text is limited to five double-spaced, 12-point font, single-sided, numbered pages with one-inch margins. The title page and bibliography are not included in the three pages. Each essay must include a title page, not considered text, with the following information: Essay title, author's name/age, school name, home address, home telephone number, total number of pages of essay.
To submit essays: Send by mail to Lacey Slavich, Windber Research Institute, 620 Seventh St., Windber, Pa., 15963, or e-mail to l.slavich@wriwindber.org
Deadline: Sept. 15.
