School Contest

Introduction

June 2012 will mark the 19th anniversary ofthe Memphis Juneteenth and Freedom Festival!

As you know, every year Juneteenth honors different African Americans who have made major accomplishments in the advancement of our people that are often over-looked, ignored, and under reported. In the past we have honored the Tuskegee Airmen, the Civil Rights Movement, the Underground Railroad, and more locally Judge HT Lockett for his commitment to justice and equality for African Americans through his work on the bench.

This anniversary Juneteenth will be honoring African American Educators. In the spirit of community and furthering the education of our youth, Juneteenth is asking for participation from Memphis City, Shelby County, charter, and private schools in honoring those who educate them.

Juneteenth would like to propose a contest that will allow all grades to participate in honoring their teachers while learning more about Juneteenth and the African American heritage.

The following pages will describe what we at Juneteenth have in mind for the students to honor their teachers and a chance at some wonderful prizes and recognition.

We want to encourage principals, teachers, parents, and students to participate in this monumental event that will showcase the appreciation we all have for our educators and will demonstrate the potential of our kids.

Please visit www.juneteenthmemphis.org for more information about the Juneteenth movement in Memphis.

There will be contests held for each education level and will be split into the following categories:

Elementary – grades Pre-K thru 5 – Cradle to Classroom Drawing Contest

Middle – grades 6 thru 8 – The Storyteller Contest

High – grades 9 thru 12 – The Happening Contest

  • Each group will have a separate contest supporting their favorite teacher or educator.
  • Each group will be judged separately and will have its own prizes and cash rewards.
  • Every child will have a chance to participate, but participation is not mandatory.
  •  Start dates for each contest is March  19th, 2012
  • End dates for each contest is May 18th, 2012
  • Rules for all contest will be available on the Juneteenth Memphis website and printed copies can be made available if needed
  • All rules are subject to change at the approval of school and Juneteenth Memphis

The Cradle to Classroom Drawing Contest

Pre-K – 5th Grade

Rules:

  • Each child will draw a picture of their favorite teacher in a classroom setting or teaching setting. For example, the child can draw a picture of a field trip taken or of the teacher teaching them how to read…
  • The picture MUST be drawn by the child with no help from any adult or other children.
  • The picture can be on poster board of any size (they will be put on display)
  • The child can participate individually or as part of a larger group like the class or the entire grade.
  • Pictures can be in paint, crayon, chalk, markers, and any type of drawing tool.
  • All pictures must include the child’s name or the group’s name. If it is a group drawing, please include the names of every child that participated.
  • Prizes will be announced
  • Contest start and end date will be announced

 

 The Storyteller Contest

6th – 8th Grade

Rules:

  • Each child will write a short story of a defining moment they have had with a teacher. This can include a one-on-one encounter with a teacher or in a classroom setting where the teacher has successfully taught something you have been struggling with or has given you that “AHA!” moment of realization.
  • Each story should be no longer that 4 – 6 paragraphs and no shorter than 3 paragraphs.
  • Stories should be written using lots of description and in the student’s own words.
  • No profanity in any of the stories is allowed.
  • No inappropriate stories allowed.
  • Participation is voluntary
  • Winner will be awarded cash and other prizes and their story will be featured at the Juneteenth Festival events this June.

 The Happening Contest

9th  – 12th Grade

Rules:

  • Each student can write an essay, song, rap, or poem about the teacher who has inspired them the most. This contest is meant to be partially performance art as the winning entry will be performed or spoken by the student on stage during the festival or gala.
  • Each essay or piece should be no longer than 3 minutes in performance time.
  • Pieces should be written using lots of description and in the student’s own words.
  • No profanity in any of the stories is allowed.
  • No inappropriate stories allowed.
  • Participation is voluntary
  • Winner will be awarded an iPad and cash prizes and will perform their piece during the Juneteenth Gala or Festival, whichever is more appropriate.