National Latino Children’s Institute ‘Dreams Essay Contest’.

Nationwide Insurance is partnering with the National Latino Children’s Institute, to sponsor the “Dreams Essay Contest.” The contest is part of the El Dia de los Ninos celebration — “Celebrating Young Americans.” Entries for the essay contest are being accepted now and the celebration will be held May 1st from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Columbus Cooper Stadium.

The “Dreams Essay Contest” is for students residing in Ohio in grades K-12. The essays for grades K-8 will focus on descriptions of a role model or the characteristics they would want a role model or hero to have. Those students in K-4 (only) can submit a drawing of their role model instead of writing an essay. Student in grades 9-12 are asked to describe ways things can be changed for the better in their communities and how each student can make a difference. The contest encourages listening to the wishes, dreams and aspirations of our children, and acts as a way to increase awareness of the issues troubling Latino and all children. Prizes will be awarded both to the student and their school for the best essays in each grade group.

“Nationwide is pleased to participate in this contest because it allows our young people to explore and identify those individuals that are making an impact in their lives,” said Marco Capalino, marketing director in the Office of Diverse Markets for Nationwide. “We have seen some great work by previous participants, which demonstrates the understanding of positive role models by our young people,” Capalino says.

The El Dia de los Ninos celebration focuses on child safety and creating positive influences for children in the community by declaring their own day. The day includes a Children’s Parade, traditional Latino foods, entertainment that includes children’s acts, dancing, craft tents and much more. Nationwide Insurance, the National Latino Children’s Institute, Central Ohio Latino community and Columbus civic leaders first introduced Children’s Day to Columbus in 2000. Mayor Michael Coleman, along with other elected officials and more than 9,000 people have attended in the past and proclaimed it as a Columbus holiday to be honored on April 30.

“We have sponsored this event for the past four years to emphasize safety education and encourage positive influences among our children.” “We are pleased with the response from previous years and look forward to another successful celebration that the community will enjoy,” Capalino says.
Deadline for entries is April 2, 2004.

All applications can be mailed to: Nationwide Insurance
Attn: “Dreams Essay Contest”
Diverse Markets 1-28-25
One Nationwide Plaza
Columbus, OH 43215.

For a copy of the official contest rules please visit http://www.Nationwide.com