ABOUT THE CONTEST
The American Immigration Law Foundation is proud to sponsor the Annual "Celebrate America" Creative Writing Contest in an ongoing effort to educate the public about the benefits of immigration to our society. Open to fifth grade students across the nation, this contest encourages our youth, families and surrounding communities to evaluate and appreciate the effects of immigration in our own lives. This, in turn, allows them to see that America is truly a nation of immigrants.
We had an overwhelming response of more than 4000 entries from thousands of schools across the nation for the 2007-2008 contest. Students write entries on the theme "Why I'm Glad America is a Nation of Immigrants," but entry styles are not limited to essays. Winning entries in the past have included poems, diary entries, personal narratives and letters.
Former Contest Coordinator, Elise A. Fialkowski of Philadelphia's Klasko, Rulon, Stock & Seltzer, LLP, commented on the impact this contest had on students.
"The students came away with a much greater appreciation for the value of immigrants in the United States," Fialkowski said. "They learned that immigrants are the basis of this country; that we really are a nation made up of immigrants-immigrants who have made wonderful contributions."
HOW IT WORKS
The Creative Writing Contest kicks off each year in January as Contest Coordinators from local AILA chapters visit teachers and classrooms. The coordinators give classroom presentations on immigration to inform students and teachers about the important role immigration plays in our society. The coordinators also explain contest details and get students excited about participating. In February, teachers submit student entries to local AILA chapters who then select and honor a winner on the local level. In April, local AILA chapters send winning entries to AILF, which we forward to our panel of celebrity judges. The top national winner is announced in early May. For a more detailed schedule, check out the Creative Writing Contest Checklist.
NATIONAL JUDGING PANEL
The 2008-2009 National Judging Panel will include Pulitzer Prize winning author, Junot Diaz, Dave Eggers, Firoozeh Dumas, Senator Edward Kennedy, and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugee and Border Security Chairman, Senator Charles E. Schumer. Past judges have included award winning authors including Dave Eggers, Gish Jen, Ken Mochizuki,W. Nikola Lisa as well as well-known figures in the immigration debate-activist Mary Williams, Federal Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan, noted journalist Anthony Lewis (The New York Times) and former Senator Spence Abraham.
THE PRIZE
The winner and three guests receive an all expenses paid trip to AILF's Annual Benefit Dinner where he/she is honored. The winner also reads his/her winning entry aloud. The 2009 Annual Benefit Dinner will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada from June 4-6, 2009. The winner also received a travel stipend, engraved plaque, their winning entry printed in the Congressional Record and a flag flown over the Capitol in his/her honor.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED
If you are interested in engaging your classroom in a thoughtful dialogue on immigration, sign up today to receive email updates on the 12th Annual "Celebrate America" Fifth Grade Creative Writing Contest. The Curriculum Center will keep you updated throughout the year on Contest Coordinator contact information, deadlines and general contest guidelines. Mark your calendars and set aside some time in January to allow contest coordinators to visit your classrooms.
Don't miss out on the chance to bring this creative contest to your classroom! If you don't teach the fifth grade, but know of a dedicated teacher who does, please forward this website to any interested colleagues!
