"I Have A Dream" Essay Contest For Youth

From
Angela L. H. Manos
EXPANDED FUNDRAISER TO INCLUDE YOUTH

Pocomoke City – 22 January 2013 –

The Sturgis One Room School Museum, Inc., will be holding its Annual Chicken & Dumpling Fundraiser Dinner, on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at 6:00PM.  The event will take place at the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company Community Center, at 1410 Market Street, in Pocomoke.  The event will include live entertainment and an inspirational message delivered by Millicent D. West, motivational community leader. This year’s program was developed in collaboration with the Pocomoke High School administration and will include student involvement, as part of Black History Month.

 In conjunction with the dinner event, and in celebration of Black History Month, the board of the “Sturgis” is sponsoring an “I Have a Dream,” essay contest for Pocomoke High School (PHS) students.  A $100 cash prize will be awarded to the PHS student that delivers the most inspirational essay and the winner will read his or her essay to guests of the fundraiser dinner that evening.  In addition, the Pocomoke High School show choir will perform black gospel.  This is all part of the museum board’s expanded initiative to involve area youth with the museum and engage them in preserving and promoting their heritage.

 The Sturgis One Room School Museum is the only African American One Room School in Worcester County retaining its original integrity. Sturgis One Room School Museum, Inc. is an organization that actively works to preserve, promote, and protect the rich cultural heritage of Sturgis One Room School and educate our youth to value the school's cultural and historical richness.

 This will be the last year that the annual fundraiser dinner will be led by newly retired president and museum director, James and Sudie Gatling, respectively.  It is newsworthy that on January 16, 2013, Mr. and Mrs. Gatling were awarded the Lower Eastern Shore Heritage Council (LESHC) 2012 LEGACY AWARD for their 17+ years of work to reclaim, restore, refurbish and maintain the Sturgis One Room School Museum. They were commended for exemplary leadership and inspirational dedication.

 TICKETS for the fundraiser dinner event are now available from downtownpocomoke@gmail.com, City Hall or the Delmarva Discovery Center. They are $20 each. Final ticket sales: February 14, 2013.

 For more information, please contact, Angela Manos, at 410.603.1178, or visit downtownpocomoke@gmail.com for a complete schedule of events.