Perhaps you have heard the song, but never paid any attention to the lyrics of John Mellencamp's 1988 hit song Check in Out from The Lonesome Jubilee album. The opening stanza offers a songwriter's wish for the future:
A million young poets
Screamin' out their words
To a world full of people
Just livin' to be heard
Future generations
Ridin' on the highways that we built
I hope, that they have better understanding
While we won't have a million young poets on Monday, we'll have nine young people who found the courage and inspiration to share their stories with an audience that is eager to listen. For nearly 40 years, Coon Rapids Rotary has partnered with the Anoka Hennepin Education Foundation to sponsor a writing contest for elementary and middle school students from around the Anoka Hennepin District #11 attendance area. For many in our club, this is one of the true highlights of the Rotary year.
This year’s writing contest is for middle school age students in grades 6, 7 and 8. The theme for 2018: My Favorite Place. Contestants were asked to write about places that make them feel happy and comfortable in 500 words or less. Winners were selected by a panel of judges and will be awarded a $25 cash prize. What's more they get a pass from school for a short while and will join us with their families. Funding for the event is underwritten by MidwestOneBank, Connexus Energy and Green Bay Packaging. Coon Rapids Rotary is grateful for their continued support.
Please join us for lunch and some inspiring stories from a future generation, who hopefully might have a better understanding as the song goes. Thanks to Alan Hamel for organizing the program.
GF