Memorial Middle School Student Named Finalist in 2010 Gandhi Peace & Harmony Writing and Art Contest

"Nonviolence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction devised by the ingenuity of man"
(Gandhi).

This quote was the theme of the 2010 Mahatma Gandhi Peace & Harmony Writing & Art Contest. The contest, sponsored by the Association of Indians in America (AIA), was open to middle and high school students in New Jersey. Students were asked to submit an essay, song, poem or original artwork inspired by the quote.

For her poem entitled “Live Above the Ignorance”, Memorial Middle School eighth grader Camila Ventura was awarded fourth place in the writing category for the middle school division.

“Camila wrote a very moving poem that provided practical solutions to violence,” said Language Arts Teacher Ellen Keelan who introduced the contest to her students as an assignment last year

According to Mrs. Keelan, students submitted their entries to the South Jersey Division of the AIA in June 2010.

“Nineteen finalists from both the Middle and High School Divisions in the two categories of art and writing were selected from among hundreds of entries,” continued Mrs. Keelan.  “Although the essays were submitted in June, we did not receive notification of Camila’s selection as a finalist until mid-September.”

Mrs. Keelan said she and Camila were invited to attend a special award ceremony, at Princeton University, commemorating the anniversary of Gandhi's birth on September 26th.

At the ceremony, the top three finalists in each category in the Middle and High School Divisions were announced and presented with a Certificate of Accomplishment and a cash prize.

For her fourth place win, Camila received both a Certificate of Accomplishment as well as a $25 gift card to Barnes & Noble.

“Unfortunately, Camila was unable to attend the ceremony,” said Mrs. Keelan. “However, I was able to go and accepted her award on her behalf.”

Mrs. Keelan said she, Memorial Middle School Assistant Principal Heather Karagias and Principal Gary Floyd presented Camila with her certificate and gift card during school on the morning following the award ceremony.

“I was really surprised,” said Camila. “I knew a little about Gandhi before this assignment, but now I feel like I have a better understanding of his efforts to promote peace.”

"Mahatma Gandhi embodied the spirit of peace and love," said Superintendent of Schools Vincent S. Smith. "His teachings must be remembered and celebrated. I’m very pleased that Mrs. Keelan used this contest to facilitate the spread of Gandhi’s message to a new generation of students."

Founded in 1967, the Association of Indians in America, is one of the oldest Indian American organizations in the United States. Their stated mission is to preserve Indian heritage and meet the American commitment. Now in its sixth year, the Mahatma Gandhi Peace & Harmony Writing & Art Contest meets the stated mission of the organization by reaching out to New Jersey school children and increasing awareness of Gandhi's teachings on non-violence, peace, racial and religious harmony.