For the last several years (I think I came on in 2008- is that right, Nikki?), I’ve been privileged to be part of the team that brings the Celebrate America writing program to San Antonio. It’s sponsored nationally by the American Immigration Council, and facilitated locally by the law firm De Mott, McChesney, Curtright & Armendariz (or DMCA), and I’ve helped spread the word to teachers, students, parents, and the media.

It’s been a great experience for me. I’ve learned a lot – about history, about people, and even about myself and my writing.

So you probably have an idea of what’s next…

We’re still in the earlyish days of a new school year, so DMCA has issued its call for entries for 2015-2016.

The program is open to all students at the fifth-grade level. (That includes public school, private school, and home school.) They’re looking for essays, poems, interviews, stories, all kinds of creative writing on the subject “Why I Am Glad America Is A Nation Of Immigrants.”

The pieces must be 500 words or less, and must be submitted no later than Friday, December 11. You’ll need an application form, of course, and you can pick that up by calling DMCA at (210) 590-1844, or by e-mailing Nikki.

The winning entries in each category will receive prizes, including cash, gift certificates from the Institute of Texan Cultures, and replicas of the Statue of Liberty. The teacher who submits the most entries will also receive $100.00. (And as past winners have been invited to attend a naturalization ceremony and read their entries to new citizens, that’s also a possibility.)

There are more details at all the links I’ve included. But to sum them all up, this is a great opportunity for students, teachers, parents, siblings, everyone to take part. To learn about our nation’s background, and maybe even their own. And to just have fun.

So, if you know a student or a teacher who might be interested, please share this with them. Post, tweet – spread the word!

Thanks as always for your support. Until next time…