“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia. See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing, and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.”
These words, by renowned Armenian-American writer William Saroyan, now ring true more than ever as the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide approaches. Although there is continued denial by the Turkish government, and limited international recognition of the genocide, the Armenian Diaspora and the Republic of Armenia have flourished in the century since the genocide was carried out in 1915 by the Young Turk government. The Knights and Daughters of Vartan (KOV) invite high school students to write a 750-1,000-word essay focusing on what can be done in the face of denial to ensure that the Armenian Genocide is remembered in the years to come.
One winner and two runner-ups will be selected by a panel of judges. The first place winner will receive $300; second place runner-up $200; and third place runner-up $100. The winners will be recognized at the Genocide Commemoration in Times Square on Sun., April 26. The deadline for submissions is Wed., March 31. Essays must be a maximum of 1,000 words, double-spaced, 12 point Arial type font; and must include full name, age, teacher’s full name and subject area, name of high school, year in school, hometown/state, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of each page.
Essays should be e-mailed to Taleen at april24nyc@gmail.com by Wed., March 31. The three winners will be contacted directly. Their names will be announced to the mainstream and Armenian media during the week of April 7.
About the Times Square commemoration
Founded in 1985 by the late Sam Azadian, a former Brooklyn resident who lost four siblings during the genocide, the commemoration at Times Square honors the 1.5 million Armenian lives lost. This internationally recognized annual event draws thousands of Armenian and non-Armenian participants to commemorate the solemn occasion. The event features speeches and tributes delivered by prominent political figures and civic leaders, officials of the Knights and Daughters of Vartan, representatives of major Armenian-American organizations, distinguished scholars and educators, as well as high-ranking Armenian and non-Armenian clergy.
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Is this essay contest open to Canadian schools as well?
Yes, it is!
It says a teacher name and school subject must be given. Is this essay open to students who are not doing this through their school?