Posted October 9, 2012

In preparation for Veterans Day Celebration on November 7, the North Colonie Central School District will conduct a writing contest focusing on the significance of Veterans Day and what making the most of our freedom means to individual students.

The contest will run from Friday, October 5 - Friday, October 26, and is open to students in each of the district's eight schools. Awards will be given to the top winners for each category (K-2, 3-6, 7-8, and 9-12). In addition, certificates will be given to runners-up for each category (second and third place).

Each writing piece must adhere
to the topic “Heroes” and should fully respond to the following respective categories.

Grades K-2

Create a postcard or greeting card for a veteran and/or a soldier serving overseas and express your definition of what it takes to be a hero

Grades 3-6

Create a poem based on the theme of heroism, courage and patriotism

Grades 7-8

 Create an original artistic rendering on heroism, courage and patriotism

Grades 9-12

Using the context of the following quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson below, write a 200 word response to the question: “What active duty military member of the armed services or veteran has made a difference in your life or community?” The story need not be limited to military service and can also include veterans who have gone on to serve their communities. The focus should be on the personal story.

“…The characteristic of genuine heroism is its persistency. All men have wandering impulses, fits and starts of generosity. But when you have resolved to be great, abide by yourself, and do not weakly try to reconcile yourself with the world. The heroic cannot be the common, nor the common the heroic. A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer…”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson.

All writing pieces must be submitted to Mr. Weaver, Shaker High School, Social Studies Department
by the end of school on Friday, October 26, 2012.

Winners will be announced on November 7, 2012 at the District’s Annual Veterans Day Celebration.

Click here to view the complete list of the contest's rules [pdf].