March 05, 2008

Contest Ambassador Kicks Off Statewide Announcement Tour for 2008 Democratic National Convention Essay Contest with Student Roundtable at Summit High School

FRISCO – Colorado Lieutenant Governor Barbara O’Brien kicked off a statewide swing today to promote student participation in “Write to Lead” – a unique opportunity for Colorado youth to voice their thoughts on leadership and the future of our country and to engage in the 2008 Democratic National Convention experience – with a student roundtable at Summit High School in Frisco, Colorado.

The “Write to Lead” youth essay contest, organized by the Democratic National Convention Committee, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest Communications, invites Colorado middle and high school students to submit an essay answering questions about leadership and the future of our country. Two students will be named as Presidential Winners and have the opportunity to attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, while finalists will serve as ambassadors to state delegations across the country.

“What happens at nominating conventions has a profound impact on the future – your future,” said Lieutenant Governor O’Brien. “That’s why we’re holding this essay contest and inviting students across Colorado to participate. We want young people to take advantage of this extraordinary opportunity to be a part of this Convention right in their own backyard – and, above all, have a voice in shaping our country’s future.”

O’Brien met with Summit High School students, sharing her thoughts on the historic opportunity presented by the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, discussing her role as a leader for Colorado and answering questions from the group.

The "Write to Lead" contest invites Colorado students in grades 6-11 to submit an original essay answering one of two questions in 300 to 500 words:

•    Grades 6-8:  What qualities make a great leader?  How could one exhibit those traits in everyday life?

•    Grades 9-11:  Looking to the future, what do you see for our country?  What qualities does a leader need to take our country forward?

Finalists will be announced in May, with names and hometowns of each student appearing on www.demconvention.com and in a full-page ad to run in either the Denver Post or the Rocky Mountain News. Once selected, each finalist will be assigned to serve as an ambassador to one of the state and territorial delegations to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. In that role, the students will correspond - via a "Postcards from Colorado" campaign - with their assigned delegations prior to the Convention.

From the selected finalists, one middle school student and one high school student will be chosen as Presidential Winners. These two students will be invited to Denver to attend the 2008 Democratic National Convention, to be held August 25-28, 2008. Travel and accommodations will be provided for the Presidential Winners and their guardians. In addition, each Presidential Winner will be awarded a laptop computer to aid with future writing projects and have his or her essay published in full in the newspaper ad mentioned above.

Entries will be judged by a committee of local educators and representatives from the DNCC, Post-News Educational Services and Qwest Communications. Winners and finalists will represent geographical diversity from across the state of Colorado.

Students can find additional information on the contest and submit their essays at www.demconvention.com. All entries, parental consent forms and waivers must be submitted and postmarked by Friday, April 18, 2008.  Winners will be announced the week of May 19, 2008. 

Media Contacts:

Jenni Engebretsen or Natalie Wyeth, DNCC, 720-362-2006                   

Ellen Dumm, Lt. Governor’s Office, 303-866-6361

Dana Plewka, Post-News Educational Services, 303-954-3974               

Jennifer Barton, Qwest Communications, 303-965-0561   

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About the DNCC:

The 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee is the official arm of the Democratic National Committee responsible for planning and organizing the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. www.demconvention.com

Paid for by 2008 Democratic National Convention Committee, Inc. www.demconvention.com

Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.