Each year, the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage sponsors a “Stop the Hate Youth Speak Out” essay writing contest—designed to empower youth in grades six through 12 to confront issues such as racism, homophobia, ableism, and xenophobia. 2019 marks the initiative’s 11th consecutive year, and its aim remains as relevant as ever. (More than 30,000 students have participated across 12 Northeast Ohio counties to date.)
This Thursday, March 14, this year's winners will be announced at a special ceremony that is free and open to the public. Thousands of students submitted their work for consideration, from which 25 finalists were chosen to compete for $100,000 in scholarship money. The top five finalists will present their essays at the event before a panel of judges (representing companies including PNC, Lubrizol, Cleveland Clinic, and more).
Along with essay readings, the event will also feature performances of protest music written by “Stop The Hate Youth Sing Out” winners chosen from a contest held in late 2018.
Support the effort by attending the free ceremony this Thursday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art. Reservations are encouraged to guarantee seating; call 216-593-0575 or visit maltzmuseum.org.
Dana Shugrue is a graduate of John Carroll University, where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Digital Media and Professional Writing. She is a full-time Content Specialist at Budget Dumpster, and part-time freelance writer for FreshWater Cleveland. When she’s not writing, you can catch Dana taking a run through the metros or sipping a latte at her favorite local coffee shop.