U.S. Postal sponsors essay contest for young students
Students ages 6-12 are invited to enter a prize-filled essay contest as part of a conjunctive effort between the U.S. Postal Service and Lee County Domestic Animal Services for the April 30 release and first day of sale of the Adopt A Shelter Pet postage stamps. This runs in coordination with the Shelter Pet Adopt-a-thon on Saturday, May 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at LCDAS at 5600 Banner Dr. in Fort Myers.
Students ages 6-12 are asked to submit an essay on either “What my pet means to me” or “Why I want to adopt a pet” no later than Friday, April 23, by email to debra.j.mitchell@usps.com or by mail to Essay Contest, 79 Mid Cape Ter, Cape Coral, Fl 33991. There is a 200-word limit for students ages 6-8 and a 500-word limit for students ages 9-12. Please be sure all entries include the student’s name, address, phone number and age.
The United States Postal Service Consumer Advisory Council will select finalists in both age categories and the finalists will be identified at the May 1 event which will be held at LCDAS. Entries judged as finalists in each age category will be on display at the event and will be voted on by those attending the event; winners will be announced at 2 p.m. and prizes awarded.
The Shelter Pet Adopt-a-thon will include a craft activity and face painting for children ages 4-12. All pets adopted will receive a 50 percent reduction in adoption fees and will be entered in a drawing to win a sheet of First-Class postage stamps featuring a photo of the new pet. An official adoption certificate featuring a First Day of Sale official postmark will be available.