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Politics & Government

Essay Contest for Middle and High School Students

Enter the "We Can Soar" essay contest for a chance at a $500 scholarship or a flight on private plane.

Interested in the history of aviation in Long Beach, writing, or -- for high school students -- a $500 scholarship or -- for middle school students -- a flight on a private plane?

The Committee to Commemorate the Centennial of the First Transcontinental Flight has announced the “We Can Soar” essay contest — in which students are encouraged to write an essay based on the history of the flight of the “Vin Fiz,” and how it contributed to aviation in Long Beach. 

Curt Castagna, president and CEO of the Aerolease and Aeroplex Group, is a member of the committee and the essay scholarship sponsor. 

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“Long Beach has a rich aviation history," he said in a press release announcing the scholarship, "and the contest is a wonderful opportunity to teach our young people about its aviation roots, and include them in the centennial celebration of this flight.”

He added that in “1986 Aerolease hosted the 75th Anniversary celebration in Long Beach and we are grateful to be working on the 100th Anniversary events with Councilwoman (Gerrie) Schipske.”

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For more information on the “Vin Fiz”, students can visit VinFizLongBeach.com.

“The website offers a wealth of educational information that can be used by teachers and students in learning more about this historic event,” Schipske said in a press release.

There will be a dedication of a “Vin Fiz” replica and plaque Dec. 10 at the Long Beach Arena.

The “We Can Soar” essays must be turned in by Dec. 2. Second and third place winners in each age group will get a tour of the Long Beach Airport and an airport “goody-bag.”

For more information, please call 562-570-6932 or e-mail info@vinfizlongbeach.com

Contest Rules: 

All entries must include the theme “We Can Soar,” the history of the flight of the Vin Fiz in 1911 and how the event contributed to the history of aviation in Long Beach. Students are encouraged to access resources at: www.vinfizlongbeach.com/educators.html

  The Rules include that:

   1. All entries must be done by students only.

   2. Each entry must be done by only one student.

   3. Contests are open to students enrolled in grades 6 -12 in a public or private school located in Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill or Avalon.

   4. Students will compete in the following divisions: 6 – 8th grade; 9 – 10th grade; and 11 – 12th grade.

   5. Essays may be typed, double-spaced (preferred) or hand written. Essays may be submitted two ways: 1) via email to: info@vinfizlongbeach.com or 2) via U.S. mail to: Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske, 333 W. Ocean Blvd., 14th Floor, Long Beach, CA 90802.

   6. Essays must include the following information: your name, grade, one parent’s name, name of school, home address, contact telephone number.

   7. Essays will be judged on adherence to theme (50%), style (25%), and correctness of form (grammar, spelling, punctuation) (25%).

   8. Deadline: Must be received by December 2.

   9. Once received, entries will become and remain the property of the Long Beach Committee to Commemorate the Centennial of the First Transcontinental Flight.

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