Holocaust observance is accepting contest entries

The Spokane Community Observance of the Holocaust is seeking entries for its annual essay and art contests.

This year’s theme is “Heroes of the Holocaust.” Middle school and high school students are asked to write an essay or create artwork about one of the individuals who resisted the Nazis – those who hid Jews or arranged for their escape; underground fighters; or those who tried to expose the atrocities committed against the Jews.

Students are asked to choose someone other than Oskar Schindler, Elie Wiesel, Anne Frank and Miep Gies.

Essays should be 500 to 1,000 words and are due March 20.

Art entries are due March 30, and must include a statement of up to 100 words that describes the inspiration for the piece.

The first-place winners of the essay contest in the high school and middle school divisions will read their compositions at the Spokane Community Observance of the Holocaust on May 5 at Temple Beth Shalom. The top three art entries in both divisions will be displayed at the temple that night.

The first-place winners for the high school division will win $400 scholarships; middle school first-place winners will win $250. They will also have their works published in The Spokesman-Review.

For more information about the contest, search for Never Again Spokane on Facebook or email neveragain-spokane@ comcast.net.