Sheriff Youth Foundation to honor Angelou

from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Dept.The Sheriff’s Youth Foundation (SYF) in its partnership with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department launched today an essay contest to honor the great life and teachings of Dr. Maya Angelou.

The contest, which is open to youth ages 7 to 17 years who reside in the County of Los Angeles welcomes children to learn more about Angelou’s life and the challenges that she overcame, as well as how she championed for civil rights and truth. “We are very pleased to kick off this initiative and more importantly to provide our youth the opportunity to learn firsthand about the great works and wisdom that will forever be part of our lives and our community through Dr. Angelou,” said Dr. Kathleen Van Antwerp, Program Director of the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation. “We truly hope that her legacy will inspire the children of our great county to overcome whatever challenge in life they might face and see the vast opportunity that our community offers to them,” she added.

The essay contest supports many of the various youth programs offered through the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation. “I’m very proud of the great work being done every day through our youth programs,” said Sheriff John L. Scott. “As a community, we have an important social responsibility to our children to guide them on a better path towards a successful future. Dr. Angelou’s life is an inspiration to all and her great legacy will live in our hearts always.”

Youth are invited to submit their essays (maximum 700 words) through June 27, 2014. An evaluation committee comprised of SYF staff and volunteers will select the three finalists. The essay review will be based on the impact that the author has personally gained through reading of the life, words, or wisdom of Dr. Maya Angelou.

The three finalists will each receive an iPad Mini tablet and their work will be highlighted in the Sheriff’s Youth Foundation website.

For more information please visit: www.SheriffsYouthFoundation.org/essay