Programs and Services

Attitudes Essay Contest

"A Friend is something every child needs. People think flowers are beautiful because they are all different and unique in their own way. I think that this is a good assumption to make about all people. Their differences are what make them beautiful and unique."
~Michael, 7th grade

UCP Central PA's annual The Attitudes Essay Contest has changed the way young people perceive and respond to persons with a disability. Our young authors, grades 3 through 12, are urged to share the observations in essay format by writing about "attitudes toward disability." Administered through the school system, students are encouraged to write about themselves or someone they know who has a disability, or to reflect on attitudes in general about disabilities; report on a book about disabilities; or write about famous people with disabilities. Read the winning essays from the 2004-05 school year.

Now in its seventh year, the essay contest continues to generate thoughtful answers in response to the questions "what is a disability?" Our corporate sponsor, Schmidt, Ronca & Kramer, PC. Law firm, has stepped forward to support UCP Central PA with promoting this initiative throughout our 10 county service area.

So, come on! It's Fun! Join UCP and......Get an "ATTITUDE!"

Interesting Facts

• In six years, nearly 2,400 entries have been submitted.
• A sponsorship with SRK Law provided for expansion in 2003 to grades 9 through 12.
• Essay participants are divided into 4 groups; 3rd & 4th grade, 5th & 6th grade, 7th & 8th grade, and 9th through 12th grade.
• All Essayists receive a button and certificate of participation with cash prizes awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners in each category.

• 1st - Call UCP's Community Relations Department at 717-975-0611 or email Shawn C. Kaup.
• 2nd - Distribute information to all interested students.
• 3rd - Generate excitement!
• 4th - Collect essays and send them to UCP Central PA's Community Relations Department.
• 5th - Plan a school assembly to congratulate the winners...because of course, you know your students are going to win!

Essays for the 2005-2006 school year must be submitted to UCP Central PA no later than January 31, 2006.

Send entries to:
"Attitudes Essay Contest"
c/o UCP Central PA
44 S. 38th Street
Camp Hill, PA 17011

For more information about Attitudes Essay Contest, please contact UCP at (717) 975-0611 or send an e-mail.

http://www.ucpcentralpa.org
Updated: 08/23/2006