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Contact: Public Affairs Office, 307.739.3393
Freshmen in Teton County, Wyoming are invited to compete in an essay and creative arts competition hosted by Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton Association (GTA). The contest is part of Grand Teton's multi-faceted "Class of 2016" initiative, which highlights the upcoming National Park Service centennial in 2016. This is the first of four annual awards and scholarships offered for Class of 2016 students. The first year's theme "From Past to Present: Stewardship for the Future," celebrates the recent 40th anniversary of the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway. The Parkway was established in 1972 to honor the philanthropic work of Mr. Rockefeller, and his legacy of conservation in Jackson Hole. Prompts encourage students to research Rockefeller's role in establishing present-day Grand Teton National Park, and to reflect on their personal legacies. Submissions are welcome in the form of art, poetry, song and essays. The top three entries will receive prizes that encourage students to enjoy America's national parks and gain a better understanding of their significance. The first place winner will also receive an iPad. All prizes are funded by GTA, Grand Teton's partner and cooperating association for the past 75+ years. Entries must be postmarked or delivered before 5 p.m. on May 1, 2013. Winners will be announced on June 3.Visit https://www.nps.gov/grte/supportyourpark/employ.htm for more information; contest details are listed under the Youth Programs link. The Class of 2016 initiative is one of many action items laid out in "A Call to Action" by National Park Service (NPS) Director Jon Jarvis. "A Call to Action" charts a path toward a second-century vision for the NPS by asking park employees and partners to commit to concrete measures that advance the NPS mission. In conjunction with other action items, "A Call to Action" directs all national parks to help students develop a deep understanding of our natural and cultural heritage through a series of educational programs that allow students to discover the relevance of national parks in their lives. Grand Teton Association (GTA) is a nonprofit corporation established in 1937 to support Grand Teton National Park. The Association fosters understanding of the park's mission and increases visitor enjoyment and appreciation by publishing and distributing informational and historical reference materials, guidebooks, and a variety of other educational publications. GTA operates interpretive sales areas in all park visitor centers, the Menors Ferry historic district, Jackson Hole Airport, Jackson Hole and Greater Yellowstone Visitor Center, National Elk Refuge and nineteen district ranger stations on two national forests. All earned profits support educational, interpretive, and scientific programs in Grand Teton and across the Greater Yellowstone Area. For more information, visit www.grandtetonpark.org. |
Last updated: February 24, 2015