SEN. STACK TO STUDENTS: WHO’S YOUR PRESIDENTIAL IDOL?

            PHILADELPHIA, January 14 — In honor of Presidents Day next month, state Sen. Mike Stack is holding his second annual Presidential Idol contest for students throughout his Northeast Philadelphia district.

            “This is a wonderful opportunity for youngsters to gain an appreciation for the great leaders of our nation and display their creativity. Last year, more than 600 elementary and middle school students submitted terrific posters depicting their favorite U.S. president. Their work was outstanding and I’m looking forward to seeing this year’s entries,” Stack said. “We’ve also added a public speaking contest as a way to get our high school students engaged in American history and how our forefathers shaped this nation’s political landscape.”

            “State Sen. Mike Stack’s Presidential Idol Arts Contest” is open to all students in grades K-8 in the 5^th Senatorial District. The contest will honor Presidents Day with a theme based on the popular TV singing competition “American Idol.”

            Students may use any art medium and display their work on a standard poster size board of 11-by-14 inches. Students may select a president from the following eras and create a poster: 

• Grades K-2: A Presidents Day poster depicting what a president does, or just a poster celebrating Presidents Day in general.
• Grades 3-5: Pick your Presidential Idol from the list of presidents 23-44 (Harrison to Obama)
• Grades 6-8: Pick your Presidential Idol from the list of presidents 1-22 (Washington to Cleveland)

            One winner will be selected from each grade. Entries are due by Wednesday, Jan. 27 to Stack’s district office at 12361 Academy Road or 8016 Bustleton Ave.

            “State Sen. Mike Stack’s Presidential Idol Public Speaking Contest” is open to all high school students in the 5^th Senatorial District.

            The topic of the speech, which is limited to no more than 3 minutes, is determined by grade: 

• Grade 9: “My Favorite President Is…and Why”
• Grade 10: “Discuss in detail one of the President’s constitutional duties”
• Grade 11: “How did President George Washington Shape the Office of President?”
• Grade 12: “What effect(s) did President Abraham Lincoln’s handling of the Civil War have on the Presidency?”

            Schools will select a winner from each grade and then submit the winning speaker’s contact information and a written copy and audio copy of the speech to the senator’s office at 12361 Academy Road by Monday, Jan. 25. The winners from each school will be invited to participate in the district-wide public speaking contest, which will take place at the Franklin Towne Charter High School Auditorium on Saturday, Jan. 30.

            The winners from the poster and public speaking contests will be awarded a $100 savings bond, a certificate of recognition and an American flag desk set at a ceremony and breakfast on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 15 at Franklin Towne Charter High School in the historical Frankford Arsenal.

            “I’m excited to see and hear our youngsters talk about their Presidential Idol,” Stack said. “This is such a fun and informative way to celebrate our presidents.”

            Entry forms, as well as details and rules for the contests, are available on the senator’s Web site at www.senatorstack.com and at the senator’s district offices. Call 215-281-2539 for more information.

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