Southern Maryland Association of Realtors

Third grade students from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's Counties were recently invited to participate in the annual SMAR Poster and Essay Contest. The theme for this year's essay contest was "What my home means to me." The Poster Contest theme was "Fair Housing is Alive in 2005."

The many entries were judged by members of SMAR's Fair Housing/Community Relations Committee. Winning entries were awarded framed cerificates and cash prizes in a reception held May 10 at the SMAR headquarters in Hughesville.

Front row, left to right: Daniel Diaz Del Castillo, Andrew Hobson, Mayokin Ojo, Noah Dixon, Dan Kelly. 2nd row: Amanda Dean, Natalie Holand, Janiesa Clark. 3rd row: SMAR Community Relations Committee Members Bob Harry, Terrie Leonard, Kristine Wolfe, Sharon Mills, Chairman Anita Land, Pepe Gandara, Linda Conner.

Amanda Dean, a 4th grade student, also received recognition at the state level as she met with other state winners at the State House in Annapolis. Each winner was presented with a plaque and savings bond by Governor Robert Ehrlich. Amanda's poster will appear in the 2005 MAR (Maryland Association of REALTORS) Fair Housing Calendar, which Maryland REALTORS distribute statewide to promote the principles of Fair Housing.

A complete list of the winners:

The winners from Calvert County were Noah Dixon, 1st place and Dan Kelly, 2nd place, Our Lady Star of the Sea School. Charles County winners were Andrew Hobson, 1st place, St. Mary's Bryantown School; Tanguy Hong, 2nd place, Berry Elementary. St. Mary's County winners were Janiesa Clark, 1st place, George Washington Carver; Mayokin Ojo, 2nd place, Little Flower School.

Poster contest winners were Amanda Dean, Mutual Elementary; Daniel Diaz Del Castillo, Dr. James Craik Elementary; and Natalie Holland, Park Hall Elementary.

Congratulations to all our Poster and Essay Contest Winners!