Essay context about African-American contributions to America’s maritime heritage
Voyage to Discovery Essay Contest Announced
Two winners to receive cash prizes
Silver Spring, Md. – The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (NMSF), in collaboration with NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), invites 7th to 12th grade students to submit an original essay about African-American contributions to the country’s maritime heritage.
“NMSF is proud to launch this initiative, which seeks to expand students’ understanding of how our nation’s rich history is tied to the ocean and celebrated through our national marine sanctuaries,” said Jason Patlis, president and CEO of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
Entries to the Voyage to Discovery Essay Contest will be accepted through April 15. Teachers and parents are asked to encourage student participation.
Two winners – one high school student and one middle school student – will be selected. The high school student winner will receive a $1,500 prize for post-secondary education. The middle school student winner will receive a $500 prize for continuing education.
“The Voyage to Discovery Essay Contest is part of a broad NOAA initiative to build public awareness about the legacy of African-American maritime heritage,” said Daniel J. Basta, director, Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. “This contest offers all students an opportunity to enhance their writing and analytical skills while they learn about the continuing, historic contributions of African-Americans in the security, stability and prosperity of our nation.”
Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and content. More information on the contest, including how to enter and a complete set of rules, can be found at http://www.voyagetodiscovery.org/essay_contest.htm.
About NMSF: The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation connects people to the underwater places that define the American ocean. National marine sanctuaries – areas in our ocean and Great Lakes designated for their significance to the nation – comprise 14 sites over 160,000 square miles. NMSF works closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to support and strengthen these underwater national treasures.
About ONMS: NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries manages 13 sanctuaries and one marine national monument set aside for their special biological, ecological, cultural, or historical values.
That’s a great idea on how to increase students’ awareness on the role of African-Americans and their contributions to maritime heritage. I wish I were at midschool now only to take part in this contest))