UPDATE: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 31ST!

Middle and High School Students Encouraged to Learn about Easter 1916 Rising that Led to Creation of the Irish Republic

Pittsburgh, PA, December 1, 2015 – The Pittsburgh 1916 Easter Rising Committee, which was formed to plan the region’s commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of the pivotal event that led to the establishment of the Republic of Ireland, has announced it is sponsoring an art and writing contest for Western Pennsylvania Middle and High School students.  A total of $2,000 will be awarded to winning entries.

 The theme of the contest is Easter 1916: Pittsburgh Remembers.  The purpose of the competition is to encourage the region’s next generation to research, explore and express the roots of Irish history.  Winning entrants will be recognized and receive their awards as part of Pittsburgh’s official commemoration festivities in April 2016.  The EXTENDED deadline for entries is March 1, 2016.

The competition is broken down into four categories:

High School Art (Grades 9-12) – A visual art piece not larger than 36”X20”, but it must be at least 16”X24”. Each entry must be accompanied by a brief typewritten (not handwritten) explanation.

High School Poetry (Grades 9-12) – A poem not longer than one page on an 8.5”X11” piece of paper with a font no smaller than 10 points.

High School Art (Grades 6-8) – A visual art piece not larger than 36”X20”, but it must be at least 16”X24”. Each entry must be accompanied by a brief typewritten (not handwritten) explanation.

High School Writing (Grades 6-8) – An essay no longer than two pages on 8.5”X11” pieces of paper with a font no smaller than 10 points.

First place winners in each category will receive $200.  Second place winners will receive $150.  Third place winners will receive $100.  And fourth place winners will receive $50.

Each entry must center on some aspect of the Easter Rising, which took place in Ireland in April 1916.  It must demonstrate an understanding and research of the events surrounding the Easter Rebellion in Ireland.  Participants in the poetry and essay competitions are encouraged to include historic events and the names of rebellion participants.  Each entry must include the entrant’s: Name, School, Grade Level, Home Address, Telephone Number, Email address (optional).

The Pittsburgh 1916 Easter Rising Committee is conducting outreach to enlist participation through area school teachers and advisors. To participate, students are encouraged to request entry forms from their teachers.

 To learn more about the competition and how to participate, contact:

 Mac McCafferty

Education Chairperson

310 Lucille Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15218

412.951.7068

[email protected]

About Easter 1916: Pittsburgh Remembers

The Pittsburgh 1916 Easter Rising Committee was formed to plan and conduct the region’s commemoration activities of the 1916 Easter Rising in Ireland.  These activities will be part of the global commemoration of the Irish Republic’s 100^th anniversary.  These activities will follow the theme: Easter 1916: Pittsburgh Remembers. The Rising is largely regarded as the pivotal event that led to Ireland’s War for Independence, and ultimately, the establishment of what we now recognize as the Republic of Ireland.

 Easter 1916: Pittsburgh Remembers will feature a series of activities and events that will culminate in April 2016, the anniversary of The Rising, when it will host a three-day event featuring educational, athletic, cultural, entertainment, social and interactive events.

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