To celebrate “County Government Month”, CCAWV has launched its annual essay contest. Held every April, we ask eighth grade students to write a 500 word essay describing how their county commission helps them in their daily lives. In previous years, some commissions have used this as an opportunity to engage their young community members. They have gone to schools and spoken about what they do. They’ve explained how some processes, like budgeting, which may seem abstract to an eighth grade mind, work to provide very tangible benefits to residents (like parks!).

Contest winners receive monetary prizes:

The writer of the first place essay receives $300 (as does his or her teacher for classroom activities), second place receives $250, and third place will get $150. A panel of judges comprised of CCAWV members and staff will judge the essays. The contest deadline is April 17, 2015. Winners will be announced April 30, 2015. This year, students and teacher can submit their essays on our website: http://ccawv.org/recent-press/#application-form

Please encourage participation in your county! Connect with the public. They are, after all, the future leaders of West Virginia!