by Malou Lasquite
Staff Writer
Have you always wanted to write an essay about an elder who has helped your community and aided in the development of your social life?
If you haven't written one, now is your chance as the University of Houston-Clear Lake sponsors the "Celebrating our Elders" essay contest.
Students who participate are encouraged to write a two-page essay about an African-American or a Hispanic-American elder who had a positive influence on them. The elder can be a coach, teacher, minister, neighbor, grandparent, or anyone who is supportive as an elder and who "exemplifies strengths of the African-American or Hispanic communities."
Anglo-American students are welcome to contribute an essay about an African-American or Hispanic elder who touched their lives.
Fourteen winners will compete for a total of $7,000 in scholarship money, with individual awards ranging from $250 to $1,000. The money may be used at all universities and colleges, but current UH central campus students are not eligible for the scholarships if the award will be used to pay for tuition at the central campus.
This is the third year the contest has been held, and $10,500 in scholarships has been awarded to 21 students.
According to contest founder Craig M. Oettinger, a sociology professor at UH-CL, "These scholarships try to blend and balance our culturally uneven society by believing that local people are agents of social change."
The purpose of the contest is to show the traditional strengths of the Hispanic and African-American communities and how they have benefited other people, he said.
"In our society, minorities are usually stereotyped in a negative way. This contest is to honor minority elders - how their wisdom and mentoring has influenced young people," said Linda Bullock, assistant director of the project.
Participating students will receive a certificate for entering the competition and will have their picture taken together with the elder who is the subject of their essay.
All entries will be exhibited at UH-CL and will travel to colleges, communities and churches.
Deadline for essay submission is April 30. For further information or to obtain an application, contact Oettinger or Bullock at (281) 283-3373.