By Amber Burress, Altrusa Club of Muncie—
MUNCIE, IN—The Muncie Altrusa Club hosted the winners of the 38th Annual 4th Grade Essay Contest on March 20th during a luncheon at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens. The winners of the essay contest were: Zayn Ayers, Daleville Elementary; Rory Hart, Burris Laboratory School; Amaris McNeill, North View Elementary; CJ Plummer, Selma Elementary; Rowan Porter, East Washington Academy; and Zoey Triplett, West View Elementary.
Each student read their essay titled: “Why is Reading like a Magical Adventure?” to the assembled group. Following the reading each student was presented with a certificate, a backpack filled with books and school supplies, and a Books-a Million gift card. Accompanying the students to the event were their classroom teachers and family members, among others. Each winning student’s teacher also received a gift card.
The winners were selected from over 320 student essays from 11 4th grade classrooms in the Muncie and Delaware County elementary schools. Altrusa members selected two essays from each of the classrooms which were then given to retired Ball State University Elementary Education professor Dr. Kay Stickle who made the final selection of the six winners.
Literacy has been a primary focus of the Muncie Altrusa Club since its beginning. Funding for scholarships and Ball State University began in 130 and continues today through the Muncie Altrusa Foundation.
Altrusa’s first Essay contest was held in 1987. Altrusa’s dedication to being of service to Muncie and Delaware County is carried out through projects that encourage literacy and serve women, children, and families. Current Projects Include:
4th Grade Essay Contest
Distributing books, school needs, and holiday gifts to preschool partners
Distributing books during free Saturdays at the Muncie Children’s Museum
Little Free Libraries
BSU Homecoming parade book distribution
Second Harvest Food Bank
Muncie Soup Kitchen Lunch Program
Indiana Writing Project journals for students affected by Hurricane Helene
Holiday gift cards for Veterans in Delaware County
Free books distributed by Muncie Public Library
About Altrusa
The Altrusa Club of Muncie, IN, Inc is a part of Altrusa International, Inc. whose purpose is to promote better communities through service by an international network of people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. Molly Harty chairs the club’s Literacy Committee.
