Essay, Art Contests Mark City’s Birthday

To mark Moorpark’s 15th anniversary, the city is inviting students to participate in essay and art contests promoting civic pride.

“We’ve done a lot in those 15 years and we’re proud of it,” said the city’s recreation superintendent, Shelly Shellabarger.

“We want people to think about what a cool community this is.”

Entrants for the essay contest must be Moorpark residents 7 to 15 years old. Winners will be chosen in each age group--7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 15--for the best essay between 50 and 100 words describing “What Moorpark Means to Me.” Shorter poems and haikus will also be accepted, Shellabarger said.

In the art contest, residents 12 years and under will enter artworks that reflect the theme “Life in Moorpark.” The artworks can be in any medium, such as watercolor, mosaic, crayon or chalk.

Judges, who will pick winners in four age groups, will look for clarity of the message and artistic impact.

Contest winners will be honored during the city’s July 3 fireworks event, which takes place two days after the 15th anniversary. The winners will also be acknowledged publicly at a City Council meeting.

Due no later than June 12, all entries must include the participant’s name, address, age and phone number. The information should be posted on the back of submitted artworks.

Entries should be mailed or brought to Moorpark City Hall at 799 Moorpark Ave.

Information is available from Shellabarger at 531-9100.