SMAR Fair Housing Essay and Poster Contest 2005 Winners
SMAR's Fair Housing Committee began sponsoring an essay contest for local elemenatry schools several years ago. The Maryland State Association of REALTORS (MAR) liked the idea and decided to have a poster art contest as well. Both contests raise awareness of Fair Housing and the importance of homes to the children who live in them.
The Essay contest's continuing theme is "What My Home Means to Me." Each year the students manage to provide touching, funny and heartwarming works. Hundreds of essays are reviewed and judged by the members of the SMAR Fair Housing Committee. The top two from each County are invited, along with family, teachers, principals and friends to a reception held at the SMAR offices in Hughesville. The winners read their works and recieve certificates of recognition.
Poster art is based on a new Fair Housing awareness theme each year. Posters are first judged by local Association committees who select their two favorites from each county. The winners are then sent to the State Association for final consideration. The State winners are published in a calendar that is distributed all across Maryland to promote Fair Housing awareness. |
1) The committee begins the task of evaluating the hundreds of essays and artworks submitted.
2) Guests begin arriving. Along with refreshments, all of the essays and artwork are displayed.
3) Just some of the many entries occupy these tables.
6) Bob Hall enjoys the display.
5) A few of the essays. Each row on the table has three essays.
6) First and second place winners are displayed together.
7) 2005 Essay Winners: Mollie Danel, Connor Alshiemer, Christian Basile, Sarah Streater, Gabrielle Thompson, and Kathryn Whalen. SMAR President Anita Land presented the awards.
8) Calvert Co. 1st Place Essay by Sarah Streater, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Teacher Mrs. Barrett.
9) Calvert Co. 2nd Place Essay by Christian Basile, Our Lady Star of the Sea, Teacher, Mrs. Barrett
10) Charles Co. 1st Place Essay by Kathryn Whalen, Malcom Elementary, Teacher Mrs. Alley
11) Charles Co. 2nd Place Essay by Gabrielle Thompson, St. Mary's Elementary, Teacher Mrs. Garner.
12) St Mary's Co 1st Place Essay by Conner Alsheimer, The King's Christian Academy, Teacher Mrs. Benes.
13) St Mary's Co 2nd Place Essay by Mollie Danel, The King's Christian Academy, Teacher Mrs. Benes.
14) 2005 Poster Art Winners: Rachel Davidson, Allison Gerardy, John McCann, Shelby Scheider, John Thompson. Not pictured, Kalie Rosati.
15) Calvert Co. 1st Place Poster by Allison Gerardy, Northern Middle School, Teacher Mrs. Heyward.
16) Calvert Co. 2nd Place Poster by Rachel Davidson, Northern Middle School, Teacher Mrs Heyward..
17) Charles Co. 1st Place Poster by John McCann, Berry Elementary, Teacher Ms. Maguire.
18) Charles Co. 2nd Place Poster by Kalie Rosati, Dr. James Craik Elementary, Teacher Mrs. Hayward accepts for Kalie, who was unable to attend.
19) St Mary's County 1st Place Poster by Shelby Schneider, Lexington Park Elementary, Teacher Ms. Barretta
20) St Mary's County 2nd Place Poster by John Thompson, Lexington Park Elementary, Teacher Ms. Barretta.
21) Mollie and Connor discover their classmate's works on display.
22) Families, Teachers, Principals and students all enjoy the work.
23) What it's all about. SMAR Member Pepe Gandara explains Fair Housing in response to a student's question.
24) State Winner Allison Gerardy's work will represent all of SMAR in the 2006 calendar.
25) The calendar has grown in popularity. 15,000 are now printed for distribution.
25) See you next year!
