The Tri-Town Transcript
Friday, February 11, 2005

LWV '6th Annual Online Student Essay Contest'

Lessons learned from the presidential election is the theme of the Sixth Annual Online Student Essay Contest sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts and funded by Bank of America.

The election is over, but what has been learned about the voting process? The Electoral College ? The issues at stake? The LWV is asking Massachusetts students in grades 4-12 to think about these questions for the essay contest.

"Now is the time to ask ourselves key questions about the impact of the election on public policy issues, the role the media plays in elections, and the importance of the Electoral College," said League President Madhu Sridhar. She emphasized that "These are important questions which deserve creative and thoughtful discussion. The League's essay contest is designed to encourage students to reflect on these questions and how they affect our democracy."

The contest is conducted entirely online. Contest rules, essay questions and instructions for submitting the essay via email can be found online only at www.lwvma.org. The essay contest is open to all Massachusetts students in grades 4-12 in public and private schools and to those who are home-schooled. The contest began on Nov. 15 and runs through Monday, Feb. 28.

In addition to receiving U.S. Savings Bonds, winners will read their essays at a special event on Sunday, April 10, 2005, joining the historic line of patriotic speakers who have passionately proclaimed their views at Faneuil Hall in Boston. The League also acknowledges the vital role played by educators by awarding the teacher or advisor of the winners a classroom education grant.

As a nonpartisan political organization, the LWV encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and works to increase understanding of major public policy issues.