In honor of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month in February, Sasone is hosting an essay contest for students. Sasone (the Hebrew word for joy), a program of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, provides services to children with special needs in our community who are seeking a Jewish education.
All students in grades K-12 are invited to participate and submit a one-page essay on the following topics:
For grade schoolers: “I have a friend with special needs.” OR “I have special needs and I have a friend. Here is a story about us.”
For middle schoolers: “I have friends at school with special needs.” OR “I have special needs and I have friends at my school. This is how I am a better person or my school is a better school because of this.”
For high schoolers: “We have students in my school with special needs.” OR “I have special needs and attend school. This is how our society and/or world are better because of inclusion.”
Sasone is looking for short, powerful stories about meaningful life experiences. Share your story, told in your unique voice, in an original essay. Don’t submit anything you have already published at the time of submission.
All age groups are encouraged to include something about Jewish values in their essays, such as tikkun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut chasidim (acts of loving kindness).
Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third place in all age groups. First place will get a $100 gift card; second place a $50 gift card; and third place a $25 gift card.
The deadline for submission is Feb. 15; only one essay submission per student. Essays can be emailed as attachments to . Include your name, grade in school, address, telephone number and why you wanted to enter this contest. By submitting your essay, you agree that Sasone can publish it.