News Release

NEA's Read Across America Program, Hans
Christian Andersen Foundation Sponsor Essay Contest

WASHINGTON—The Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation (HCA 2005) and the National Education Association’s (NEA) Read Across America Program announce the HCA 2005-USA Essay Contest. The contest is designed to encourage students to read and to help them improve their creative writing skills.

"As parents and educators know, creative writing is one of the best ways students can learn to read well," said Reg Weaver, president of the 2.7-million-member NEA.  "We're excited to be working with the Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation to motivate students to pick up a pen and write."

Started in 1998 as a way to get kids excited about reading, NEA's Read Across America has become the nation's largest reading event. The year-round program culminates each year on or near Mar. 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday.

The HCA 2005-USA Essay Contest will occur in conjunction with the worldwide celebration of Hans Christian Andersen’s 200th Birthday Celebration that will begin with a Fairy Tale Weekend in Copenhagen, Denmark, in April 2005.

"Hans Christian Andersen was a storyteller for all the ages. The goal of Hans Christian Andersen 2005 is to share with the world the remarkable life and stories of Denmark’s most treasured author," said Lars Seeberg, Secretary General of the Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation.  "We believe that this nationwide essay contest will not only celebrate Hans Christian Andersen and his magical fairytales, but will also promote the joys of reading and writing for all ages."

The essay contest winner and his or her chaperone will be flown to Copenhagen, Denmark, to participate in the festivities along with dignitaries and heads of state from around the world.

One of the world’s most-read authors, Hans Christian Andersen’s universally beloved tales of power, love, faith, hate, life and death are as vital today as when he wrote them more than 100 years ago. Children are encouraged to pick a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale and write a 250 word essay describing a lesson children can learn by reading the story.

Jan. 10, 2005

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 2.7 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.