By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Once again, Pennsauken children have a chance to put a spotlight on the special people in their lives.
An annual contest, children in grades three, four, and five living in Pennsauken may submit a letter saying why they believe their mom, dad, or guardian is the “best.” In addition, children participating in remote learning can nominate a loved one as the “best teacher at home.”
The contests are sponsored by the Pennsauken Youth Action Committee and the deadline for entries is Monday, May 3.
“Each and every year, we have the distinct pleasure of reading submissions from Pennsauken children about the important people in their lives. As parents and guardians have gone above and beyond helping their kids during the pandemic, we’re really looking forward to reading the ones for 2021,” says Elwood Martz, who helps organize the contest. “If your child has never sent a letter in for this contest, we encourage those children eligible to participate to do so; and for those third, fourth and fifth graders who sent in letters in the past and haven’t won yet, don’t be afraid to try again. This could be your year!”
The first-, second- and third-place winners will receive recognition and prizes at the Township Committee’s meeting on Thursday, May 20, held virtually at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom conferencing software.
The winners for 2020 were Mehar Afzal, who wrote about her mother, who’s a substitute teacher; Angela Candelaria-Torres, whose grandmother helped with class work while also battling cancer; and Adam Sinatra, who submitted an entry about his mom, who is “the key” to his “school heart.”
Judging
Letters will be judged by a panel on originality, content and ability to express feelings and ideas. Entrants are encouraged to be creative in their submissions. There is no “wrong” way to highlight the special person in their lives.
How to Enter
All entries for all contests may be mailed to “Best Mom, Dad or Guardian Contest,” Pennsauken Municipal Building, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd., Pennsauken, NJ 08110, Attn. Elwood Martz. Letters may also be e-mailed to emartz@twp.pennsauken.nj.us.
