Kirkwood Human Rights Advisory and Awareness Commission Announces 2^nd Annual Essay Contest Winners

Kirkwood, Missouri – Thursday, November 15, 2007 – “With so many pressing human rights issues in our communities, where should we focus our energy and attention, and why?” ... this was the topic of the 2007 essay contest sponsored by the City of Kirkwood’s Human Rights Advisory and Awareness Commission (HRAAC). The contest, which drew over 60 well-written responses, was open to any 11^th grader residing in Kirkwood or attending Kirkwood High School, St. John Vianney High School, or Ursuline Academy. Three winners along with five honorable mentions were chosen and will be presented with certificates of recognition and awards at the November 15, 2007, City Council meeting.

FIRST PLACE: Christopher Kelly, Kirkwood High School

            Essay Topic:   “Playing with Everyone: The Necessity for Accessible Playgrounds”

            Award:            $100 check and $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

SECOND PLACE: Kelley Koenig, Ursuline Academy

            Essay Topic:   “The Vital Importance of Human Rights”

            Award:            $75 check and $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

THIRD PLACE: Brent Overkamp, Vianney

            Essay Topic:   “Human Rights Awareness”

            Award:            $50 check and $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Molly Johnson, Essay Topic:            Revolutionizing the Storybook

Danielle Totterer, Essay Topic:        Children’s Rights: The Most Important Of All

Sarah Bailey, Essay Topic:               Promoting Diversity in Kirkwood

Sarah Klevorn, Essay Topic:            Kirkwood and Accessibility: Making Life Easier

Nick Johnson, Essay Topic:              A Complacent Community

Each will receive a $25 gift certificate to Barnes & Noble

Commission members judged the essays on thematic maturity, content, and communication. HRAAC Chair Dave Freese said, “For the second year in a row, we were absolutely blown away by the excellence and the maturity of the essays we received.”

In 2006, Kirkwood joined the National League of City’s Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities. The Partnership aims to:

• Raise awareness and focus attention on the importance and value of inclusive communities.
• Motivate cities and towns to make a public commitment to building inclusive communities.
• Provide support to local officials in focused efforts around affordable housing, race and ethnic relations, and equal citizen participation in community decision-making.
• Share valuable insights, experiences, and lessons learned among the participating cities and towns.
• Recognize, publicize, and celebrate the work of cities and towns that join the Partnership.

The contest awards and prizes were generously donated by the Kirkwood Lions Club.

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