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A Senior I Know Essay Contest

An opportunity for children to share how senior relationships have positively influenced their lives.

A Senior I Know 2024 Cover Art

Every year, the Department of Senior Affairs sponsors the City's Annual "A Senior I Know" Essay Contest for students in grades 1-5.

Older and younger generations have a lot to learn from one another, and one way to keep younger generations connected to significant older adults in their lives is to create opportunities for children to share how these relationships have positively impacted them.

But participating in the contest is not necessary to make this a valuable activity! Whether you choose to submit the essay as a contest entry, save it as part of your family history, or send it to the senior it’s about, this project is a great way to keep generations connected.

Read this year's winning essays:

2024 A Senior I Know Essay Winners (PDF)

How to Enter

This annual contest is open to anyone in the appropriate grade range who submits their essay by the February 14, 2024 deadline. 

Learn more about the rules and how to submit here. You can also download the essay submission form here.

Note for teachers/school administrators: A total of ten winning essays (two per grade level) per school can be sent to any of the following locations by February 14, 2024 at 5 p.m.

Locations and Contact Information

Hoover Middle School

 

Attn: Kessick Blech

 

12015 Tivoli NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111

 

Manzano Mesa Multigenerational Center

 

Attn: Esperanza Molina, Youth & Community Program Coordinator

 

501 Elizabeth SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

 

North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center

 

Attn: Amber Maestas, Center Supervisor

 

7521 Carmel Ave NE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

 

North Valley Senior Center

 

N/A

 

3825 4th Street NW, Albuquerque, NM 87107

 

A note must accompany the entries stating the total number of students who wrote essays for the contest. Based on the numbers submitted, the appropriate number of Certificates of Participation and coupons will be forwarded to each school by May 2024.

Past Winners

For inspiration, check out these essays from our past winners: