Young Writers Invited to Share Stories About Older Adults in Their Lives
Calling all young writers! The City of Albuquerque’s Department of Senior Affairs is sponsoring the 43rd Annual “A Senior I Know” essay contest for students in grades 1 through 5. This contest is an opportunity for children to celebrate older adults who have made a positive difference in their lives and the special connections they share.
This year’s contest submission deadline is February 12, 2025. Winners and their families will be invited to a special award ceremony at Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center in May 2025 and will have their essays published in a commemorative booklet.
“By encouraging positive connections between kids and older adults, we’re strengthening the bonds that hold our community together,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “I encourage every young writer to pick up a pen, tell their story, and help us shine a light on what makes Albuquerque so special.”
“We love hearing students’ voices in their writing as they share information about their senior,” said Jude Garcia, former principal at Sandia Base Elementary School. “The students get to know more about important seniors in their lives and teachers to know their students a little better.”
This contest is open to all students within the APS school district boundaries and essays must be submitted through the child’s school, including APS elementary schools, private, charter, or home schools. Essays must be submitted to one of the designated locations by 5 p.m. on February 12, 2025 and cannot be submitted online.
Winning essays are chosen by the “A Senior I Know” committee of retired educators. For essay contest rules, deadlines, and drop off locations, please visit cabq.gov/seniors/youth-programs.