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Cook County Commissioner Announces 'Be Heard' Essay for Youths

By Andrea V. Watson | February 17, 2016 5:38am | Updated on February 18, 2016 9:53am
 Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin's 'Be Heard' essay for high school students will  ask them to write an essay on how voting can influence issues like violence in Chicago.
Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin's 'Be Heard' essay for high school students will ask them to write an essay on how voting can influence issues like violence in Chicago.
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CHICAGO — The 2016 "Be Heard: One Vote Can Change the World" essay and art contest will give the winners a laptop and a cash prize ranging between $100 and $1,000.

The essay contest is open to all currently enrolled high school students in Cook County, and the art contest is open to all students in grades 3-8. The contest is in its second year. Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin said it's important to recognize and celebrate children and teens' "creative and artistic" talents.

“Given the significance of civic engagement during this presidential election year, I hope this competition will ignite a spirit of hope and transformation in our next generation of leaders," he said.

Students in grades 3-8 are invited to create an original slogan with artwork that reflects the idea of "Be Heard: One Vote Can Change the World." The high school students have to write a 500-word essay on the how voting can influence issues in the community like violence, lack of educational opportunities and police misconduct.

All entries are due by April 29. For more information and essay guidelines, visit www.richardrboykin.com or call 312-603-4566.

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