The Columbus Human Rights Commission has announced the 2016 J. Irwin Miller Art Contest and the Benjamin M. King Essay Contest. Commission Director Aida Ramirez says that each year, the Commission provides students with historical context and a foundation upon which they can express themselves by creating an original work of art or composition of an essay. She says that this year’s theme is “A Welcoming Community.” Ramirez says that one winner will be selected for both contests in the following divisions:

Division 1: Grades 5 — 6
Division 2: Grades 7 — 8
Division 3: Grades 9 — 12

Students are invited to enter the Art Contest, the Essay Contest, or both.

Ramirez says that a panel of volunteer judges will anonymously select the winning entries for both contests in each division. Winners will receive a $75 award, an award-winning book, and complimentary tickets to the Human Rights Commission’s Annual Dinner.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, February 15, by 5 p.m. If you would like to be a volunteer judge, contact the Human Rights Commission office by Wednesday, February 17.

For more information, visit www.columbus.in.gov/human-rights/art-essaycontest/ or contact the office by phone at (812) 376-2532. You can also send an email to [email protected].