By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

Every year, Pennsauken children have a chance to write how their mom, dad, or guardian is the best in town. For 2020, the Pennsauken Youth Action Committee is putting a unique spin on their contest.

The Best Mom, Dad, or Guardian: Home School Edition allows children in grades three, four, and five living in Pennsauken to submit a letter saying why they believe their mom, dad, or guardian is the “best teacher at home.” The deadline for entries is Friday, May 1.

“We’ve got a lot of parents and guardians helping their children with lessons at home. We thought it might be a fun twist to have our burgeoning writers share their thoughts on their new ‘teachers,’” says Elwood Martz, who helps organize the contest. “We’re looking forward to reading all of the creative responses.”

The first-, second- and third-place winners will receive recognition and prizes at a Pennsauken Township Committee meeting to be determined at a later date.

The winning “best mom” essay for 2019 was written by Jeilani Figueroa about her mother, Liza Martinez. Madison Nieves wrote about her father, Michael, in her winning essay. Kimora Dawson, Alivia Clark, Rylee Moulton, Lily Bradeis, and Leighanne Vest received honorable mention in 2019 for their submissions.

Judging

Letters will be judged by a panel on originality, content and ability to express feelings and ideas.

How to Enter

All entries for both contests may be mailed to “Best Mom, Dad or Guardian Contest: Home School Edition,” Pennsauken Municipal Building, 5605 N. Crescent Blvd., Pennsauken 08110, Attn. Elwood Martz. Letters may also be e-mailed to emartz@twp.pennsauken.nj.us.