ABERDEEN 150^th ANNIVERSARY ACTIVITIES KICK-OFF WITH

HISTORICAL ESSAY CONTEST FOR CHILDREN

Columbia Bank Sponsors Aberdeen Township Essay Contest  

ABERDEEN TOWNSHIP (3/15/07) – In celebration of its 150^th Anniversary, Aberdeen Township will sponsor an historical essay contest for students.

The contest, conducted in cooperation with the Matawan Aberdeen Regional School District, is open to all students living in Aberdeen or Matawan.  Aberdeen residents attending area private schools are also invited to participate.

Students will compete in one of three categories based on grade level.  Essays should be a maximum of 300 words. 

· Students in grades 4 – 5 will be asked to “Explain what makes Aberdeen a very special place to live.”

· Students in grades 6- 8 will be asked: “If you lived in Aberdeen 150 years ago, how would your town or your life be different?  How would it be the same?”

· Students in grades 9-12 will be asked: “What similarities might occur in the stories of people who have lived in Aberdeen over the past 150 years?”

One “first place” and four “runner-up” prizes will be awarded in each of the three grade categories.  “First Place” winners will receive a $200 savings bond from Columbia Bank, while “runner-ups” will each win gift certificates valued at $25. 

 Students can return their completed essays to their school, which will submit them to the Township for judging.  Students not attending district schools can submit their essays to the Township by April 11, 2007.  Winners will be announced in late April.   Essays will be judged by a committee appointed by the Township Manager and Mayor.

The contest is the first in a series of special events scheduled throughout 2007 to celebrate Aberdeen Township’s 150^th anniversary.

For more information, contact Jim Colabelli, Aberdeen Township recreation director, at (732) 583-4200, ext. 134.

Aberdeen 9/essay contest