13th ANNUAL CLAIRE MUMMA ESSAY CONTEST in honor of WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

On the subject of WOMEN IN THE AMERICAN MILITARY

From those brave women who served with anonymity, dressed as men, in the civil war to Admiral Grace Hopper (arguably the best computer programmer of WWII) to the courageous women serving in Iraq today there is a rich and captivating history of women in our military leadership. Of local note is Colonel Judith D. Robinson, Commander of Fort Detrick in Frederick, Maryland or Charlotte Winters, the longest living female World War l veteran who passed away at age 109 in 2007. Or perhaps your eyes are to the US space program and its first female pilot, Colonel Eileen Collins. It is our hope that many students will take on the challenge of investigating and writing about women in our military.

Tell us why you chose your favorite WOMAN IN THE AMERICAN MILITARY and describe her life and accomplishments. Why do you admire her and what do you most wish to emulate?

WHO?

Washington County Students, 8th – 12th grades Public, Private, or Home Schooled

WHAT?

For the winning essays:

• $ 300 First Prize
• $ 200 Second Prize
• $ 100 Third Prize
• $ 50 Honorable Mention

WHEN

Entries must be received by February 1, 2009 by 3:00 pm

WHERE?

Send your essay to:

Essay Contest
Washington County Commission for Women
100 West Washington Street
Hagerstown, MD 21740

Or e-mail to: vksolanki@wccw.info

RULES

Essays must be 500-2000 words in length, typed and in essay form. Submissions must list student’s name, school, grade, teacher, principal, and student’s home address and phone number.

PRIZES

Winning essays will be announced during an Awards reception in March. Winners will be notified in advance and should plan to attend the reception to receive their award and recognition.