"Girls Gone Great" essay contest
Word of an interesting essay contest, "Girls Gone Great," dropped into my inbox and seemed worth sharing. The contest "celebrates young women who are making a difference in their communities and in the world, and who also have a vision for the future," according to its organizers, WomanTalk Live radio.
The contest, in its second year, is open to high school juniors and seniors. The writer of the winning essay, which is expected to be published in the February 2009 edition of On Purpose magazine, earns a $1,000 scholarship and other goodies.
For more details, read the group's recent press release.
BALTIMORE, MD (May 13, 2008) - WVIE 1370 AM's WomanTalk Live radio talk show has opened entries to its second annual Girls Gone Great essay contest. The contest celebrates young women who are making a difference in their communities and in the world, and who also have a vision for the future.
The Girls Gone Great contest winner will receive a $1,000 scholarship donated by WVIE 1370 AM, a gift basket worth over $1,500 in prizes, an appearance on the WomanTalk Live radio show which airs every Wednesday from 7-8pm and a celebration luncheon in their honor. Additionally, the winning essay will be published in the February 2009 issue of On Purpose Magazine, which is distributed bi-monthly in locations across Maryland.
The Girls Gone Great contest was created by WomanTalk Live co-hosts Ginny Robertson and Ann Quasman to provide much-needed inspiration for a generation of young women whose only contemporary role models are celebrities in the news because of issues with drug addiction, eating disorders and romantic disasters.
"We are all bombarded by less than attractive images of girls in the media," said co-host, Ann Quasman, "but the reality is that there are many more girls doing great things than girls doing wild things. We just never hear about them."
Last year's Girl Gone Great contest attracted entries from six different counties and Baltimore city and set a high bar for this year's contestants. Jessica Cottrell of Dundalk won last years contest and is using her scholarship to attend the Maryland Institute College of Art.
"The Girls Gone Great entries we received last year were beyond inspiring," said Robertson, "they showed us that the next generation of women leaders are up to the task and are ready to meet social, environmental and political challenges with vision, passion and integrity."
For more information and to enter the Girls Gone Great contest, high school junior and senior women can visit the Girls Gone Great section of the WomanTalk Live Web site at http://www.womantalklive.com/girlsgonegreat/index.html. The deadline for entries is October 31, 2008.
About WomanTalk Live
WomanTalk Live is a live, call-talk radio show solely focused on topics important to women. Hosted by Ginny Roberston and Ann Quasman, the show is committed to providing its listeners with inspiration and information for every aspect of their lives. WomanTalk Live airs Wednesdays from 6 to 7 p.m. on WVIE 1370 AM. For more information, visit www.womantalklove.com.
About Ginny Roberston
Ginny Robertson is President of Live Your Life On Purpose, an organization that provides women with information and opportunities to help them lead richer, fuller lives. She is a keynote speaker and the founder of On Purpose Networking for Women which meets monthly in Towson, Columbia, Severna Park & Frederick. She is also the Founder, Publisher & Editor of On Purpose Woman Magazine, a free area publication.
About Ann Quasman
Ann Quasman is the founder of Living in Your Heart, LLC, a company that provides monthly basic training for loving life workshops and classes for women and men throughout Maryland. As a Quality Life & Wellness Coach and EFT Practitioner, Quasman also works with individual clients.
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Comments
I really like the idea, but I'm somewhat taken by the name. It seems somewhat odd to lend credence to the "Girls Gone Wild" brand with such positive contest. I get the juxtaposition (not sure that's even the right word), but it still seems odd. No intense feelings one way or the other... just find it odd.
Posted by: Bill | May 15, 2008 2:27 PM
Bill, so glad you like the idea behind our contest. We think it's a long time in coming. When we came up with the contest last year, it was after we had heard just one too many things about Miss Britney Spears. And, you are exactly right - we are playing off of the Girls Gone Wild brand. From what we see and hear in the news, we know that that there are girls going wild - and now, we believe it's time to focus on the ones who are doing great. Last year, we heard from young women in six counties and Baltimore City - so there are many, many of them to spotlight. And, that's where our focus is - catching young women doing great things. So, stay tuned...I bet we find another real winner this year!
Posted by: Ann Quasman | May 19, 2008 2:23 PM