The City of Santa Clarita’s Human Relations Forum will honor the winners of the Forum’s annual Essay and Poster Contest at a special Award Recognition Ceremony on Monday, February 27, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. at the City’s Activities Center. The Activities Center is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway. The annual contest attracted over 430 entries this year, competing for cash prizes in four age categories. Elementary, junior and high school students submitted essays and posters centered around this year’s prompt: “Everyone has experienced being made fun of, bullied or left out. Tell about when this happened to you. How did you feel and what did you learn?” City officials will be on hand at the ceremony, giving out awards to the top four entries in the contest. This year, 31 students will be recognized in four age categories, receiving up to $100 in cash prizes. The winning posters will be displayed at the ceremony and the essays compiled into a program. “The annual Essay and Poster Contest is one of our favorite events every year because it offers us the chance to spread awareness amongst our youth about the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and cultural diversity,” said Adele MacPherson, Community Services Superintendent. “It teaches them how to think about their experiences in the context of a diverse community and allows them to reflect on the value of understanding.”

For more information, contact Cynthia Llerenas, Community Services Supervisor, at (661) 255-4918.