This year Pawling Public Radio’s writing contest is focused on the issue of bullying; how to prevent it, and what it means to be an “upstander”.  In keeping with its yearlong program to support Pawling schools and community children with appropriate and meaningful programs addressing the need for respect, support, and kindness among our students.  PPR’s writing contest will be judged not only for the content of submitted essays, but, also for the writer’s ability to express himself with the written word.

Winners in each grade category, 7th through 12th Graders, will receive fun PPR swag and certificates signed by PPR’s board chair. Our winning senior will receive the Pawling Public Radio Excellence in Writing Scholarship, presented at their graduation this spring. Winners in each grade category will be announced in April, with all submissions judged by professional educators, writers, and editors from the Pawling community.

PPR’s anti-bullying programs began in the fall with Operation Respect’s professional development workshops, for all educators, staff, and administrators in our public and private schools.

The essay contest will be followed on April 3 by a community wide concert with folk music legend Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul, & Mary fame) who founded Operation Respect a dozen years ago, and who will be singing with elementary and middle school students. The concert will take place at Pawling High School. Further information about this exciting event will be forthcoming, so stay tuned!