The Highmark Foundation today announced that students will have the opportunity to participate, through their schools, in a bullying poster contest to raise awareness about the persistent problems of bullying.
Bullying is a serious health issue that affects countless children and adolescents every day. Nearly 160,000 children miss school on a daily basis because of a fear of being bullied.
The Highmark Healthy High 5 Bullying Prevention Poster Contest will be conducted throughout the winter semester and is open to middle school students in grades 5 through 8. The theme for the contest is "Bullying Isn't Cool," and submitted entries should reflect in original artwork how bullying another person is both hurtful and unhealthy behavior.
Over the past few months Highmark has partnered with several media outlets throughout western Pennsylvania to raise awareness about the negative aspects of bullying. Winners will be announced the first week of March during a presentation in each market.
The media outlets include:
Between Feb. 15 and Feb. 29, 2008, viewers in each media market will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite finalist by visiting the media outlet's website.
The grand prize winner for each media market will win an iPod media player.
In addition, the school district of the grand prize winner will receive a $2,500 grant from Highmark Healthy High 5.
Winning school districts and students will be featured in a variety of promotional events throughout the campaign.
For additional details including official rules, judging criteria and how to enter, go to the station's websites listed above.