APS Sponsors Rosenbaum Writing Contest

November 25, 2008

During the school year, Arizona students write thousands of essays, poems, stories and plays that are graded by their teachers, returned to the student, and most often forgotten.

Centenarian Edwynne C. "Polly" Rosenbaum, a former teacher and Arizona's longest-serving legislator, felt that young writers' work should not be forgotten, but instead celebrated and widely read. So, more than two decades ago, she began the annual writing competition that still carries her name and continues to encourage young writers and provide a real-world audience for their works.

This year's Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest theme - The Impact of America's New President on Arizona - encourages students to write essays, poems, stories and plays about people, places, events, societal or political climate, or their personal feelings and ideas. 

Sponsored by APS and the Arizona Educational Foundation, the writing competition draws creative writing entries from hundreds of Arizona students each year. The Polly Rosenbaum Writing Contest is open to all students enrolled in Arizona schools grades 7 through 12.

"This competition attracts some of Arizona's best young writers," said Louise Moskowitz, APS Community Development consultant. "The theme of the contest is different each year, but it always relates to issues affecting Arizona and allows the writers to be creative about their thoughts and experiences."

Entries are judged in three categories: grades 7 and 8; grades 9 and 10; and grades 11 and 12. Each entrant will receive a commemorative pen, and first, second and third place winners in each category will be recognized on Arizona Statehood Day, Feb. 12, 2009, at the Arizona State Capitol where the first place winners will read their writings. 

First-place winners will receive a $40 gift certificate to the Capitol Museum Store. Second- and third-place winners also will receive gift certificates to the Capitol Museum Store. In addition, first-, second- and third-place winners - along with two guests - will be invited to eat lunch at the State Capitol and may be asked to read their essays.  

All entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, January 9, 2009.

Rosenbaum, who served 46 years in the Arizona House of Representatives before retiring in 1995, was a former schoolteacher and a fierce advocate for education issues in Arizona. She played an instrumental role in the founding of numerous programs and institutions beneficial to preserving Arizona's history. Rosenbaum, known as the "First Lady of Arizona," died in 2003 at the age of 104.

For more information on the annual writing contest, or to receive an entry form or a copy of the official rules, please contact Alison Bunde or Bobbie O'Boyle at (480) 421-9376; or Louise Moskowitz at (602) 250-2291 or by e-mail at Louise.Moskowitz@aps.com. The entry form also can be found online at www.azedfoundation.org.

APS, Arizona's largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves about 1.1 million customers in 11 of the state's 15 counties. In 2008, APS won its second Edison Award in recognition of innovative leadership and operational excellence in the electric industry. Given annually by the Edison Electric Institute, the Edison Award is considered the industry's most prestigious honor. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Jenna Henry, Media Contact
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