LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – Students statewide in the 5th grade in Michigan are invited to participate in the 2018 National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.
The Michigan State Police (MSP) Missing Persons Coordination Unit says the contest creates an opportunity to promote child safety while discussing the issue of missing and/or exploited children. More than 1,000 children are reported missing each week in Michigan. Many of these children are runaways.
Michigan’s winning artist will have a shot at the national contest, which includes a free trip to Washington D.C. and their artwork featured as the National Missing Children’s Day poster.
The 2015 national winner was a Michigan student from Grand Blanc.
Jolene Hardesty, Missing Children’s Clearinghouse Manager feels the contest opens the discussion on missing children and it’s a chance to be honest with your children.
“I think 5th grade is a perfect time to at least open up that discussion and start talking to our kids about it. What could go on and what happens in today’s day and age.”
Hardesty says the judges look for posters that speaks to the heart of the matter.
Contest rules are as follows:
Applicants must be in the fifth grade.Original artwork should reflect the theme “Bring Our Missing Children Home” and the phrase must appear somewhere on the poster.Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs, and stamping will not be eligible for consideration.The finished poster must measure 8½ x 14 inches.
The poster must be submitted with a completed application, which includes a description of the artwork and a brief biography of the artist, either written or typed. Submissions are due by Jan. 31, 2018, and must be mailed to:
Michigan State PoliceMissing Children’s Clearinghouse
Attn: Ms. Jolene Hardesty
7150 Harris DriveDimondale, MI 48821
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25 as National Missing Children’s Day. Each year, the Department of Justice (DOJ) commemorates Missing Children’s Day with a ceremony honoring the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.
