Credit: Courtney Corlew / Unsplash.com
In addition to prizes, winning essay writers will also have their work placed in the time capsule.
The community in and around Jenkintown Borough have been excitedly preparing for the rather “grand finale” bash to celebrate the 150th anniversary of its incorporation. From preparing a time capsule, to even including the Jenkintown School District with a documentary-style video, and its planned Dec. 8 celebration, Jenkintown residents have been hard at work to honor the town on its very special birthday.
While many of the celebrations have already included all ages, it is now time for the area’s youngest to also become involved.
“As we approach Jenkintown’s 150th anniversary, we’re excited to announce a unique opportunity for students to share their voices and reflect on our vibrant community in a special essay contest,” said The Jenkintown 150th Anniversary Committee in a recent press release. “This is a chance for students to express what Jenkintown means to them—past, present, and future—and contribute to a memorable milestone celebration.”
Essay Contest will have a clear theme: “What Jenkintown Means to Me: Reflections on the Past, Present, and Future of Our Community.” Essays will be judged on a variety of grade levels, with students “competing” against those of the same age. The essay’s levels will include the following Grade Categories:
The Scoring Criteria will also involve earning points in three unique categories. Firstly, student essays will be reviewed based on their creativity. A total of 30 points can be earned based on the “originality and imagination in expressing unique ideas about Jenkintown.”
A second category, called Content and Relevance, will gauge the essay’s connection to the community’s past, present, and/or future. This portion of the review will include a possible 40 points for each essay.
Lastly, the essay will be reviewed for its Clarity and Expression. A total of 30 points can be earned for each student’s ability to organize their ideas, convey their thoughts, and express their feelings clearly.
In the end, each essay can earn a potential 100 points, the total of which will be compared to other submitted contributions. Those with the highest of scores in each grade level will be considered the winning essay.
Each grade level will also have submission guidelines when it comes to the length of the essay as measured in word count. The following totals will include:
The deadline to submit all essays is Friday, Nov. 29. Winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 2. All student participants must reside in Jenkintown Borough, or “Jenkintown proper.”
And of course, in addition to the honor of winning, the top essays will also receive prizes.
“Winners in each grade category will receive exciting prizes, including gift cards to local businesses, a Jenkintown 150 T-shirt, and a shopping bag,” said the release.
Prize highlights are to include, for Grades 1 through 4: a $25 gift card to J-Town Market and a $50 gift card to Capricorn Books. For those in Grades 5to 8: a $50 gift card to This Little Gallery and a $25 gift certificate to Lilly’s. Students in Grades 9 through 12 could win a $150 cash prize from the Jenkintown Community Alliance, as well as a $25 gift certificate to King’s Corner.
The excitement doesn’t end there, however. There will also be a special opportunity for winning essays to not only be a part of Jenkintown’s far-off future, but also be shared at the historic event celebrating 150 years.
“Winning essays will be preserved in a time capsule to be buried on December 8, 2024, as part of the anniversary ceremony,” said the committee’s release. “Winners will be invited to read their essays at this historic event, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.”
Those students that wish to enter the Jenkintown Borough 150th Essay Contest can submit an essay online here. A Google form will need to include the author’s name, grade level, address, parent’s name, contact information, and the essay. It is also ideal if students can be present at the Sunday, Dec. 8 celebration in Jenkintown’s Town Square, but is not a requirement to enter.
“Please encourage students to participate and share their reflections on our community,” asked the release. “For more information, feel free to contact us. Let’s make this anniversary memorable by celebrating the voices of Jenkintown’s future! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us!"
