Knights, ‘Facing History’ Sponsor Genocide Commemoration Essay Contest for High School, College Students

High school and college students are invited to participate in an essay contest to actively support the 101st anniversary commemoration of the Armenian Genocide that will be held in Times Square (43th St. and Broadway) on Sun., April 24, from 2-4 p.m. Co-sponsors of the contest include the Knights & Daughters of Vartan, an international Armenian fraternal organization with headquarters in the United States, and Facing History and Ourselves, an international educational and professional development organization.

Centennial of the Armenian Genocide commemorated in Times Square (Photo: Anahid Kaprielian)

One winner and two runner-ups will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges. The first place winner will receive $300; the second place runner-up will receive $200; and the third place runner-up will receive $100. The winners will be recognized at the Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square on April 24, and depending on time constraints, may read their essays.

The deadline for submissions is Fri., April 1.

The questions to address in the essay are: When did you first learn about the Armenian Genocide? What actions need to be taken globally to help increase genocide awareness and prevent history from repeating itself?

The essay must be 800 words maximum, double-spaced, 12-point Arial type. Applicants must include their full name and age, teacher’s full name and subject area, name of high school or college, year in school, hometown/state, phone number, and e-mail address at the top of each page of the essay.

The three winners will be contacted directly and announced to the mainstream and Armenian media the week of Monday, April 11.

To apply, submit essays via e-mail by Fri., April 1, to Taleen at april24nyc@gmail.com.

About the Commemoration in Times Square

Founded in 1985 by the late Sam Azadian, a former Brooklyn, N.Y. resident, who lost four siblings during the Armenian Genocide, the Armenian Genocide Commemoration at Times Square has honored the 1.5 million Armenian lives lost during the horrific events of the genocide, perpetrated by the Young Turk government of the Ottoman Empire. 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, and distinguished scholars and educators, as well as high-ranking Armenian and non-Armenian clergy.