3RD ANNUAL HIGH SCHOOL ESSAY CONTEST
On Saturday May 7, 2011, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Women's Federation for World Peace - District 1 (Washington DC, Maryland and Virginia Chapters), held the third annual High School Essay Contest Award Ceremony on Purity. It was held at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in the Monet Room in Washington DC.
The students were required to address all three topics below:
What are the benefits of maintaining sexual purity before marriage?
How can I encourage others to do the same?
Can my personal life decisions have an effect on the U.S.?
We started the event with the emcee, Vera Reed welcoming everyone.
The invocation was given by Rev. Zagery Oliver, pastor of the Washington Family Church, Lovin' Life Ministries.
Mrs. Angelika Selle, President of WFWP USA gave an inspiring introduction to Women's Federation for World Peace, and she shared with the audience that Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the founder of WFWP International, is the mother of 14 children and over 40 grandchildren; she went through the pain of loosing 5 of her children.
Dr. Moon has gone beyond her family in loving the children of the world. Her life has been an example of living for the sake of others, promoting true family values and world peace. This is why we call her True Mother.
The audience were treated to a song by Mr. Otmar Weinmann that he composed himself entitled, "Pure Love".
Light refreshments were provided by the Hotel, the atmosphere was warm and friendly as we mingled around the room meeting new people. Everyone was bright and all inclusive.
During the award ceremony her Excellency Ambassador Purification Ondo, (Ambassador of Equatorial Guinea to USA) was recognized by WFWP District 1 for her love and support towards our activities in promoting moral values. Mrs. Reed presented her with a lovely plaque. Ambassador Ondo supported our first annual high school essay contest in 2009 by donating $1,000 to award the winners. The year before, she donated $1, 000 towards our annual dinner benefit for Schools of Africa project.
Prior to becoming an Ambassador, she was the chairwoman of WFWP in her country, and together with Martin and Franziska Stephan (WFWP members) she supported Motoko School (school founded by WFWP in Equatorial Guinea). She was happy to see the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephan, Christine, her husband, Brian Chase and baby Vincent during the event.
We were enthralled by a break-dance exhibition by 4 very talented young men, David Aihe, ChangWu Mungai, Donte Corley and his friend.
The main speaker was Dr. Marta Guzman, the head of essay contest Judge Committee. She gave a moving speech about how important it is for young people to develop their characters instead of becoming embroiled in girl-boy relationships that take their focus and minds away from learning and becoming responsible human beings that God created us all to be.
Before the three awards were given, Mrs. Eny Reed, WFWP District 1 chairwoman invited all the young people to come to the front. She acknowledged all of them as winners just for the fact that they participated in this very controversial essay contest. She asked the audience to join her in giving a standing ovation.
Mrs. Selle, and Mrs. Reed presented the three awards. The first prize winner was Stephen Decker ($500), the second place winner was Ruth Sauls ($300), and the third place winner was Tikia Smith ($150).
Because the next day was Mother's Day, a lovely bouquet of flowers was presented to Mrs. Angelika Selle as the representative of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, by Danielle Davis, the 2010 Essay Contest first place winner; then all mothers were presented with a beautiful fresh red rose with attached card wishing them Happy Mother's Day.
The award ceremony was inspiring because it became clear that young people who choose abstinence are rarely acknowledged in the public arena. The essay contest was a chance for them to state clearly what they stand for and be honored for their commitment to creating the foundation for lasting marriages and thus more stable families. Hopefully, they will feel encouraged to share this with their peers with confidence. It became clear that we need more opportunities like this, so young people can follow their conscience and feel supported to not compromise because of pressure from an immoral society.
