Green!! Green!! Green!!
Ackerman Youth Contest Chair, Debbie Strauss
“Wishing you a pot o’ gold and all the joy your heart can hold.”
Spring is just around the corner. Our iris beds are cleaned out, fertilized, and watered. Daffodils are blooming and the crocus also. Soon the dwarf and median iris will bloom and then the tall bearded and all the rest of our lovely iris. The time is drawing near for the deadline for all AIS youth to enter your essay in the Ackerman Youth Essay Contest. All you need to do is share your love of iris in a letter to someone. The deadline for getting the essay finished and submitted is March 21, 2022.
Here is the official theme:
Write a letter to a friend, family member, or teacher and explain to them why you love irises, describe some of your favorite irises, and tell them what you think they would like most about growing irises of their own.
Remember to write your ideas about why you love irises. Then describe your favorite irises and tell the person you are writing to why they would like to grow their own iris. Please don’t wait until the last minute. Write your essay in letter format to someone you know, elaborate on everything. Get your Mom, Dad, Sister, Aunt, Teacher, or anyone to read it over after you write your first draft, and help you think about how to add to it or make it have more details.
Also get someone to check your grammar and spelling. Essays should be written in 500 words or less. send your essay (letter) to Debbie Strauss at debbie@loveirises.com or mail it to 2213 Hereford Blvd, Midland TX 79707.
There are three age group competition categories, thus awarding three 1st, three 2nd, and three 3rd place prizes: one in each age group! The age groups are 9 and Under, 10-12, and 13 and Over. All three age groups will receive a $100 Reward for First Place, $50 Reward for Second Place, and $25 Reward for Third Place (courtesy of The American Iris Society Foundation). Winners will also receive a new 2022 iris from Howie Dash in Las Cruces NM from Picacho Mountain Iris.
I can’t wait to read your letters! The March 21 deadline for entry is fast approaching.
“May your best day of your past be the worst day of your future.”