SLO County Junior High and High School students are invited to enter a Youth Essay Contest based on Max Brook’s graphic novel, “The Harlem Hellfighters.” Contest winners will get the chance to meet Max Brooks at the SLO Library Foundation’s Book & Author Series VIP Party on April 14, 2015.
Essays should describe what it means to LIVE UNITED, using examples from Max Brooks’ graphic novel “The Harlem Hellfighters,” their personal experiences, and United Way’s mission. Essays may have a maximum of 500 words. The deadline for submission is on March 25, 2015.
Winning entries will be selected by a panel of peers from the United Way Youth Board. Essays can be submitted online at www.unitedwayslo.org/youth-board. First, Second and Third Place prizes will be awarded for each age bracket (7th-8th grade and 9th-12th grades). Prizes for the essay contest are sponsored by MacSuperstore and Joe Patane.
Best-selling author Max Brooks will be speaking at the Spanos Theatre on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. about his book, The Harlem Hellfighters. The graphic novel tells the riveting story of the highly decorated, barrier-breaking, historic black regiment—the Harlem Hellfighters. The Book and Author Series launched last year as a fundraiser for the Foundation, which supports the San Luis Obispo County public libraries.
The United Way of San Luis Obispo County Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience that gives youth the control and responsibility of their projects. Thirty-five students serve as a United Way Board of Directors and are given the opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by addressing the needs of their community and awarding grants to local organizations. Each month, students from across the county meet to learn about SLO County and discuss community issues. At the end of the year, the board awards three $1,000 grants to local organizations that are making a difference. Members of the Youth Board represent the youth of the community, connect with community leaders and provide feedback about youth issues. They also participate in United Way projects and events, run fundraising campaigns, and learn about the community and other local nonprofit organizations.
For more information about the Youth Board or Youth Essay Contest, contact Rachel Cementina at (805) 541-1234 or [email protected]
Tickets are on sale now for the Book and Author Series event featuring Max Brooks. Learn more about The Foundation for SLO County Libraries and Max Brooks online at www.slolibraryfoundation.org/max-brooks/.