Governor Bob Wise and the West Virginia Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission are seeking nominees for “Living the Dream” awards to be presented as part of the state’s Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday observance on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004. The public is invited to nominate candidates for the awards.
Five awards will be given to candidates who best exemplify, through action or personal traits, the principles and ideals characterizing King in his pursuit of social change. Any person, regardless of race, religion, nationality or creed may be nominated for the following categories:
1. Advocate of Peace - A person who has been an advocate of social change in a non-violent way.
2. Sharing of Self - A person who has rendered to others in the public or private sector.
3. Human and Civil Rights - A person who has been actively involved in the pursuit of equality for others. This person should be an advocate for social change.
4. Scholarship - A person who has made significant contributions in the area of education.
5. Governor’s Living the Dream Award - A person who best exemplifies all the characteristics of justice, scholarship, sharing of self, human and civil rights, and advocacy of peace.
Letters of nomination must be postmarked by Dec. 15, 2003. Nominators should submit a typewritten essay of 250 words or less, and must cite specific examples of why the nominee should be recognized. A biography of the candidate also must be included. Documentation in the form of clippings, testimonials, excerpts from other printed materials by or about the candidate may be included to support the nomination.
Applications must include the name of the person submitting the nomination, as well as his/her address and a daytime phone number. Send nominations and supporting information to: “Living the Dream” Awards, West Virginia Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, c/o West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, The Cultural Center, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E., Charleston, WV 25305-0300.
For more information about the awards, call Troy Body, deputy commissioner of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History, at (304) 558-0220.
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