THE DENNIS THOMAS
ART & WRITING CHALLENGE
Middle and High School Students
This program was started in 1998 by former Center board member, Dennis Thomas, with the goal of developing and promoting peace in the community through education, community participation and activities that call for using conflict resolution and mediation.
The program provides middle and high school students with a different topic each year, thereby stimulating classroom discussion on issues affecting their lives. The students produce artwork, essays, creative writing of all sorts and videos on the topic, with scholarships and prizes for winners. At the conclusion of the contest, there is an awards luncheon celebrating the students' achievements. Contest winners, their parents, siblings and teachers/mentors, as well as sponsoring donors and the community, are invited to honor peaceful creativity and thought. Over the decades 1,000+ submissions have been received for the challenge from throughout Contra Costa County!
The program provides middle and high school students with a different topic each year, thereby stimulating classroom discussion on issues affecting their lives. The students produce artwork, essays, creative writing of all sorts and videos on the topic, with scholarships and prizes for winners. At the conclusion of the contest, there is an awards luncheon celebrating the students' achievements. Contest winners, their parents, siblings and teachers/mentors, as well as sponsoring donors and the community, are invited to honor peaceful creativity and thought. Over the decades 1,000+ submissions have been received for the challenge from throughout Contra Costa County!