Last year, Skyler Spinelli of Verona received first place in the annual Essex County essay contest for her piece about Verona Park. If you’re in fourth or seventh grade this year, it’s your turn to try.
The contest is called “Why My Essex County Park is Important to Me” and the deadline to enter is Tuesday, March 1. Essays should be between 250 and 450 words, be typed on regular 8.5 by 11-inch paper, and students can only submit one essay. The county says entries must relate to the Essex County Park System, take a student’s perspective and be written in a student’s voice, have logical development with ideas that build on one another, and use language mechanics correctly.
Winning essays will be announced on Friday, April 1 and the winners will be invited to read their essay at the Essex County Cherry Blossom Bloomfest in Branch Brook Park on Sunday, April 17.
Registration forms are available at on the county’s Web site in the “Events” section. Entry forms and essays must be submitted by Tuesday, March 1 and mailed to:
Essex County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs
Essex County Kip’s Castle Park
Attn: Kate Hartwyk
22 Crestmont Road
Verona, NJ 07044
