Recommendation
The Human Rights Commission (HRC) recommends that the Mayor and Council recognizes the participants in the fourth annual Human Rights Commission Essay Contest and present certificates and awards to the first, second, and third place winners.

Discussion
A letter was sent to Dr. Jerry Weast requesting the school system's support of the Fourth Annual Human Rights Commission Essay Contest.

The invited high schools (Richard Montgomery, Rockville, and Thomas S. Wootton) designated a liaison to coordinate with City Staff to distribute instructions and collect completed essays. In total, there were 52 essays submitted.

On June 11, the Human Rights Commissioners met and selected the top three essays. The first and second place winners (Teresa Sintetos and Lauren Malusky) attend Rockville High School. Third place winner (Isabel Sacks) attends Richard Montgomery High School.

All participants have been notified and invited to the meeting. The Mayor and Council will say a general thanks to the 52 participants. Following brief comments from the HRC Chair, the Mayor and Council will present the first, second, and third place awards and certificates to the winners.

Mayor and Council History
This is the fourth year that the Mayor and Council has supported the contest.

Boards and Commissions Review
The Human Rights Commission developed the contest, determined the essay questions, and selected the winning essays.

Fiscal Impact
Awards are $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $150 for third place. Sufficient funds are available in the FY 2010 operating budget in account 110-550-1201-0323.

Assistant City Manager:


Jenny Kimball, Assistant City Manager
Approved on: 06/29/2009

City Manager:

Scott Ullery, City Manager
Approved on: 07/01/2009