events 2008

Ambassador Graber with the student-writers

Ambassador Graber Awards Writers in English-Language Essay Competition

June 17, 2008

Ambassador Graber hosted the Society of Friends of the USA (SPUSA) annual English-Language Essay Competition Awards Ceremony at the residence on June 13. The literature contest was open to student-writers from the Czech and Slovak Republics. This year’s theme was "Colors". 

All essays were judged by an independent committee headed by Mr. Jiří Stránský, former President of the Czech PEN Club, who has been involved in this role since the competition’s inception in 1992. The ceremony was attended by the winners, their families, jury members, and teachers and SPUSA members.

Ambassador Graber gave the opening remarks, in which he noted: "In years to come some of you may join the literary community and gain recognition.  I would like to congratulate the winners for their success in this contest and recognize your teachers and families for encouraging the great work you have done so far. Let me also acknowledge all of those who participated and did not win any prizes this year. Don’t give up that urge inside you to be creative.  It is a special gift that you must nurture and treasure."