The city of Claremont and the Claremont Unified School District are hosting the 28th annual Making Change Contest, giving Claremont students an opportunity to recognize champions of human rights and social justice.

Kindergarten through 12th grade students who live in or attend school in Claremont may participate by submitting individual letters, essays, multimedia presentations or artistic works completed as a group.

Individual categories

Third and fourth graders: Think of someone who has worked or fought to make sure others were treated fairly and with respect. Write a letter to the Claremont City Council explaining why this person should be recognized in our community. You may include artwork such as a photo or illustration to support your writing. Maximum size: One page, typed double space or handwritten on wide-ruled paper.

Fifth and sixth graders: Write an essay about a human rights advocate you admire. Explain how that person’s actions demonstrated his or her beliefs about equality and justice. Maximum size: Two pages, typed double space.

Seventh and eighth graders: Create a multimedia, informative presentation about a human rights advocate. Include the impact on your life or society as a whole. Include sources. (i.e. Movie, PowerPoint, Adobe voice, digital scrapbook or other medium). Not to exceed three minutes. Submit presentation on flash drive or upload via CUSD Google form to  https://goo.gl/forms/ M8EYJIE71K8hIo3l2.

Ninth and 10th graders: Can one person make a difference? Write an argument essay focused on a human rights advocate or movement to support your position. Include sources. Maximum size: Two pages, typed double space.

11th and 12th graders: Audio essay: What does it take to evoke social change? Write an essay in any genre (narrative, explanatory or argument) that illustrates the essential elements needed to propel the cause of human rights forward. Include examples of specific people or movements. Be sure to cite your sources.  Include an audio recording of your essay using spoken text, audio interviews, archival recordings, music, environmental sounds, and/or sound effects. Maximum size: Two pages, typed double space.

Group categories

Kindergarten, first and second graders: Using any media, create a mural-type of art work depicting a human rights champion, subject, or event. This entry is open to any group of two or more students from the above grade categories. Maximum size: three feet by three feet.

Seventh through 12th grade:?Using any media, create a mural-type of art work depicting a human rights champion, subject or event. This entry is open to any group of two or more students from the above grade categories. Maximum size: three feet by three feet.

Winners are selected from each individual category for a total of seven winners. Each individual winner will be presented with a certificates as well as a $100 check. One winning group will be selected from each group category. Each winning group will be presented with a certificate from the city.

All entries must include an entry form. Entries must be submitted by 9 p.m. on January 22 to any Claremont public school’s main office or to the Alexander Hughes Community Center, 1700 Danbury Rd., Claremont. Contestants can also upload entries via CUSD Google form to https://goo.gl/forms/M8EYJIE71K8hIo3l2. No late entries will be accepted.

An award ceremony for participants and their families is scheduled for Monday, February 26 at the Hughes Center. Contest winners will be presented with a certificate from the city and school district, as well as a $100 check.

For more information, contact the Claremont Human Services Department at (909) 399-5490.