New York, NY (PRWEB) November 03, 2015
Anne Frank was just 13 when her family went into hiding in the Secret Annex to avoid capture by the Nazis. The experience took away nearly everything – from friends to fresh air – but her curiosity and optimism remained, as evidenced in her now famous diary. During the two years she spent in hiding, she used writing to reflect on the turmoil of the world around her, stressing the need not only for tolerance and peace, but for individuals brave enough to work toward these things. “How wonderful it is,” she observed in March 1944, “that no one has to wait, but can start right now to gradually change the world!”
The Anne Frank Center USA was founded by Anne’s father, Otto Frank, to preserve his daughter's legacy and teach communities about the dangers of intolerance. The Center believes, as Anne did, that children matter and can make a positive difference. With this contest we hope to inspire young people to think about the consequences of intolerance, racism, and discrimination, as well as ways the next generation can build a world based on mutual respect.
Last year's winner, Katie Wilmore, from Maumee Valley Country Day School in Toledo, Ohio, won for her essay "Soar," about the lessons nature can teach us about empathy and compassion.
"Walking through the Anne Frank House is something I'll never forget," she recently said of her visit in June to Amsterdam. "It was a time portal in which the story of her life became very vivid and real."
The contest is open to students currently in grades 5-8. The deadline for submission is Friday, November 20, 2015. To apply, please visit: http://annefrank.com/afc-nationalessaycontest/
The grand prize, sponsored by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, includes round trip economy class tickets for the winner and two guests from a KLM USA gateway city to Amsterdam. CitizenM Hotel is providing three nights in the hotel, and the Anne Frank House is providing a private tour. The contest is part of the Anne Frank Center's Sapling Project. For more information, visit http://www.annefranktreeusa.com
Terms and conditions apply.
