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Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette Logo Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette

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Teachers encouraged to participate in competition

(Jan. 19, 2017) The Coastal Association of Realtors (CAR) is encouraging local teachers to participate in the annual Fair Housing Calendar Contest, which sends the winning student to Annapolis for a meeting with the governor or other state official.
Sponsored by the Maryland Association of Realtors (MAR), the contest is a means for Realtors across the state to help increase awareness of this important issue.
“Fair housing” pertains to the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination in the sale and rental of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap. The contest aims to teach children that discrimination is not only wrong, but illegal.
Artwork submitted by students must illustrate this year’s calendar theme, “I ♥ Fair Housing.” CAR will choose a local winner from each of three counties: Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester. These winners will receive Visa gift cards, courtesy of CAR. Their entries will be forwarded to MAR, who will choose one for inclusion in the 2017 statewide calendar. The winner will travel to Annapolis, where they will be honored along with 12 other students from across the state.
Contest packets have been mailed to the principals of public and private schools in Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester counties. Home schools, aftercare programs, churches and other children’s centers are encouraged to participate.
For a contest packet, contact Sarah Rayne, CAR Government and Public Affairs director, at 410-641-4409 or sarah@coastalrealtors.org. Deadline for submissions is Friday, Feb. 10.
Last year’s top local winner, whose entry is featured in the 2016 Fair Housing Calendar, was Lindsay Birkhead-Morton Snow Hill Middle School. Birkhead-Morton traveled to Annapolis in April for a recognition ceremony at the Maryland State House where she received a certificate and gift card from Ken Holt, secretary of the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Last year’s other local finalists were Ayati Sangwan of North Salisbury Elementary School and LaNazia Goeins of Princess Anne Elementary School.