The Scoop: Calling all writers

Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2006

Olney Library is holding a ‘‘Get Active Writing Contest” for children in grades six to 12 who attend all Montgomery County schools or are home schooled.

Original short stories, poems and graphic panels will be accepted. Deadline is 5 p.m. Oct. 22. Prizes will be awarded.

For more information, call 301-570-1232.

A decadeof building character

The City of Gaithersburg is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the Character Counts! program by honoring students for expressing their thoughts in words and pictures.

Hundreds of students created posters and essays around specific themes related to good character.

This year’s poster contest, ‘‘Character Counts! Even When No One is Looking,” will be on display through Saturday at Lakeforest Shopping Center.

A reception for participating students, their families, principals, and art teachers will be held today from 7 to 8 p.m. in the JCPenney Court at Lakeforest.

This contest is sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg, Lakeforest Shopping Center and The Gazette.

Elementary and middle school students participated in an essay contest entitled ‘‘Adult Heroes in Our Community.”

The contest is sponsored by the City of Gaithersburg and the Gaithersburg Rotary Club.

High school students participated in the ‘‘Foundations for Life” essay contest, in which students selected a quote, reflected on its meaning, and committed to life strategies incorporating the spirit of the quote.

The contest, administered by the National Character Counts! organization, is sponsored locally by Gaithersburg and the Montgomery Village Rotary Club.

Winners and honorable mentions for both essay contests, along with their families, ‘‘heroes” and teachers, will be recognized on Thursday from 7 to 8:30 at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park, 506 South Frederick Ave. in Gaithersburg.

Cash prizes will be awarded, and students are required to give a percentage of their winnings to a charity of their choice.