FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Lynne Azarchi (609) 581-0239
May 29, 2015
MEDIA ADVISORY
Kidsbridge’s Three NEW Youth Competitions and One Educator Award Contest are a Huge Success Across the State! Winners announced! Formal Awards Ceremony during the Fourth Annual Walk2Stop Bullying on Saturday morning, June 13.
The response to these new youth competitions, the UPstander /Bullying Prevention Competitions, was overwhelming. A total of 837 youth participated in the contests, including 606 elementary students and 231 middle school students. The theme of this year’s contest was How to be an UPstander. Said Executive Director, Lynne Azarchi, “We wanted to offer an opportunity for students to creatively express what it means to them to be an UPstander via an essay, a poster, or a video PSA. What better way to include everyone than to sponsor a state-wide competition.”
There were three categories: Essay, Art Poster and Video PSA. Prizes (including a gift card, Walk2Stop Bullying T-shirt and goodie bag) will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners. Honorable mention winners will receive a T-shirt and goodie bag.
An UPstander is defined as “Someone who recognizes when something is wrong and acts to make it right.” When an UPstander sees or hears about someone being bullied, they speak up. Being an UPstander is being a hero; we are standing up for what is right and doing our best to help support and protect someone who is being hurt. In many ways this is another word for being socially responsible. (Credit: Bully Busters)
Kidsbridge also wished to recognize educators who were going “above and beyond” as leaders in their schools in the areas of character education, diversity appreciation and/or bullying prevention. Kidsbridge took the opportunity to partner with Source4Teachers to create the Educator Character Education Leadership Awards Contest. “Educators who make a difference should be recognized,” said Owen Murphy, Vice President of Marketing at Source4Teachers. “Reinforcing positive character education practices and sharing bullying prevention strategies with students are critical components of an effective education. Research indicates that students learn better when they feel safe, and this year’s winners have dedicated themselves to creating an atmosphere of safety, tolerance, and respect.” Thirty-two educators were nominated this year.
Prizes (including a gift card, Walk2Stop Bullying T-shirt, Source4Teachers backpack and other goodies) will be awarded to the first, second and third place educator award winners.
Kidsbridge is indebted to the group of community judges (educators and business people) who volunteered their time to read the essays, review the art posters, and view the video PSAs. Said one judge, “There were so many inspirational submissions! I found it very difficult to choose.”
Students, family members and nominators will be our honored guests at an awards presentation to be held at the 2015 WALK2STOP BULLYING on Saturday morning, June 13 on the ETS/Educational Testing Service corporate campus at 660 Rosedale Road, Princeton. Admission is free for contestants, family and friends. The Presenting sponsor for the Walk is Philadelphia Insurance Companies. Click on the link, https://kidsbridgecenter.org/events/2015-walk/ for more information about the Walk.
Educational Testing Service was thrilled with the submissions, and will be presenting them as a month-long show in a gallery located in Conant Hall on their Rosedale campus. More details will follow.
When asked if this will become an annual competition, Azarchi said, “Absolutely! The theme or some of the specifics may change, but we definitely will present another youth competition and educator awards contest. Stay tuned for details! Consider signing up on our website to receive periodic updates about the contests and general news from Kidsbridge.”
Visit the Kidsbridge website at www.kidsbridgemuseum.org. Kidsbridge plans to upload the winning submissions in each art category. Questions? Contact Lynne at lynne@kidsbridgemuseum.org.
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About Kidsbridge
Kidsbridge is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing imaginative, hands-on programs focusing on: Bullying prevention, empathy and respect for all. Since 1996, Kidsbridge has sought to fill the large voids that exist in the learning of life skills, character education and diversity appreciation with knowledge, aspiration and empowerment. Kidsbridge programs include the Kidsbridge Tolerance Museum in Ewing, NJ and the Kidsbridge Life Skills Programs. More than 2,200 students and 200 educators visit the Museum each year.
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