The Newtown Bee was recently approached by an individual looking for a way to showcase what it is our future adult community members and leaders love about Newtown. From this request an idea was born to create an essay contest for local middle and high school age students.

These contributed essays will provide an opportunity to proclaim what makes their hometown so special to them.

This local resident initially offered a $1,000 contribution to be distributed among finalists. But when the idea was mentioned to another community member, seeking to perhaps match the initial bequest, they immediately agreed to step up.

Now being supported by two anonymous benefactors, The Newtown Bee is launching this project and will begin accepting essays on Friday, December 16.

After submissions are reviewed by judges, which include First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Bee Editor John Voket, each essay will be ranked and the top three contributors of middle school age (11-13) and the top three of high school age (14-18) will receive cash awards: $500 for first place, $300 for second place, and $200 for third place.

Interested participants can submit their essays with a 500 word maximum limit by e-mail to editor@thebee.com, with the words “Why I LOVE Newtown” in the subject line. There is no minimum word count. Participants are simply encouraged to be honest, thoughtful, and creative in their reflections.

Only written word content, including poetry, will be accepted. Entries featuring songs, videos, visual artwork, or other electronic media will not be considered. All entries must be submitted by e-mail.

Additionally, each entry must include the full name of the contributor, their age, home address, the name of their school (or “home schooled,” if appropriate), and a contact phone number in the event there are any questions, or to be notified they are among the finalists.

Participants are encouraged to utilize time during the holiday period to reflect and develop their entries. The deadline to submit essays will be January 27.

Voket says there is a lot of good to find within the 57.66 square miles that make up Newtown.

“Every week in The Newtown Bee, and virtually any day at newtownbee.com, readers and visitors can find good news and reporting about wonderful, inspiring things our community’s younger members are doing to make a positive difference,” Voket said. “This essay project will further showcase to everyone that Newtown’s young adults and future leaders are some of the most dynamic and spirited anywhere.”

The top-ranked entries will be published in The Newtown Bee. By contributing an essay, participants assign The Newtown Bee publishing privileges and all entries become property of The Bee Publishing Company.