NORRISTOWN, PA — Every year, the Montgomery County Art and Prose of Freedom Contest opens a platform of opportunities for our students. It sparks not just a competition, but a celebration and a vote of confidence in the creative talent of our young local citizens. Today, Montgomery County is proud to announce the third annual launch of this empowering contest.
A call to action is ringing out across the county, challenging students from kindergarten through twelfth grade to provoke thought, inspire change, and foster hope for a brighter tomorrow. Through the mediums of art, poetry, and essay writing, students are invited to interpret and express their own unique vision of hope and freedom.
Jamila H. Winder, Chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, encourages the involvement of all students. She sees the contest as an exciting opportunity to integrate creativity with education, stating, “I hope that any parents, art teachers, or English teachers can consider if any of their curricula dovetails with the contest theme.”
“Our talented young students of Montgomery County never fail to inspire and uplift me,” shares Donna L. Richemond, Montgomery County’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. Clearly, this contest offers an invaluable platform for young voices, enabling them to express and shape the future they envision for themselves.
Three categories are open for submission: poetry, short essays, and art, unlocking a broad spectrum of creative opportunities. With submissions divided by different age brackets, the contest promises to be an inclusive celebration of youthful talent in Montgomery County.
This contest is more than just an expression of creativity; it’s a chance to make a mark on the community, to inspire and be inspired. Winners will be awarded with $100 gift cards, while all participants can hold high their certificate of participation. The first-place prizes will be celebrated at the County’s Juneteenth Flag Raising event in June 2024.
Submissions are open until 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, April 7. The competition follows a clear set of guidelines to ensure fairness and uphold the spirit of the contest. Submissions must be original, free from offensive content, and relevant to the contest theme: Hope for a Brighter Tomorrow.
The contest highlights the belief in the transformative power of education and creative expression. It offers students a fresh motivation to consider what freedom, hope, and action mean to them, and how they can contribute to the world around them. Every stroke of paint, every carefully chosen word has the potential to forge change and inspire a brighter tomorrow.
As Jamelle Bouie said, “Juneteenth isn’t just a celebration of emancipation, it’s a celebration of that commitment. And, it belongs to all Americans.” Indeed, the spirit of freedom is all-encompassing. It is a shared journey, and it is through the voices and vision of our young citizens that we can begin to imagine, and strive for, a future where hope outshines fear.
Montgomery County, let’s unite in support of budding artists, writers, and visionaries as they bring their dreams of hope and freedom to life. Every voice is significant, and each brilliant idea contributes to the radiant future we envision together.
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