The Better Business Bureau in Southeast Texas will hold its 1st Annual “Laws of Life” Awards Banquet on October 2, 2012, at the Holiday Inn & Suites Beaumont Plaza. The event will honor eight Southeast Texas students who submitted award-winning essays in the BBB Consumer Education Foundation’s educational initiative, “Laws of Life”, which is an ethics and character-based essay contest. The program is brought to you in part by Nissan of Silsbee.
The BBB launched the “Laws of Life” program in early 2012 as a means of promoting character development for southeast Texas youth. The goal of the program is to provide an opportunity for young people to reflect on and write about the guiding principles in which they should strive to live. Forgiveness, compassion, love, fairness and appreciation are some of the topics students write about in their essays.
Over 450 students participated in this regional contest, which is open to all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in Southeast Texas. A judging panel made up of Southeast Texas leaders read essays and chose 8 finalists. Those who served on the “Laws of Life” judging committee are Jim Baxter, Program Director, Region 5; Mandy Clayton, Director of Financial Education, FivePoint Credit Union; Shaun Davis, Executive Director, SETX Regional Planning Commission; Judge Lupe Flores, Jefferson County Court at Law No. 2; Cindy Westfall, Executive Director, Junior Achievement of the Golden Triangle; and Pat Willard, Education Outreach Coordinator, Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program.
Student finalists will be recognized, along with the teachers who encouraged them to participate, in this meaningful program. Two school campuses with highest participation will also be awarded. Winners will receive cash and other prizes, starting at $50 and going up to $200.
The “Laws of Life” finalists for the 2011-2012 school year are from the following schools: Vincent Middle School (Beaumont ISD), Vidor Middle School (Vidor ISD), Legacy Christian Academy (Private), and St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic School (Private).
The “Laws of Life” Program for the 2012-2013 school year is underway in Southeast Texas! This contest requires students to think deeply about what their personal “laws of life” really are and what is most important to them. It encourages schools, communities and teachers to have soul-searching discussions with their young people to help them reflect on their choices and what principles would make life better. It prompts teachers to better understand their students, and helps communities learn what young people struggle with and overcome. To be a part of “Laws of Life” or for more information about this valuable initiative, please call Michelle Brewer, “Laws of Life” Program Director at the Better Business Bureau, 409-835-5951 x 102.
