INFORMATION RELEASE             
For Immediate Release

Media Contacts:
Heather O'Connell
(239) 461-2924 or hoconnell@leegov.com

Jubilee Brainerd

(239) 334-7341 or jbrainerd@leegov.com

Teen wins computer system in library essay contest

FORT MYERS, Fla., October 9, 2007 –A junior at East Lee County High School is happily using a brand new computer system thanks to her winning words about the Dunbar – Jupiter Hammon Public Library.

Czchasity Stittiams was one of six teens who entered an Essay Contest asking the question “How has the Dunbar – Jupiter Hammon Public Library helped you?”. The contest was open only to students currently enrolled in grades 9-12 who live in the Dunbar area.

The entries were reviewed by the Friends of the Dunbar-Jupiter Hammon Public Library, which co-sponsored the event, as well as community representatives and library staff.  Winners were announced at a reception October 2, at the library. About 30 people including teens, families, community members, the Library Friends group and staff attended.

Stittiams realized she would be receiving the top prize when LCLS program Coordinator Voncile Williams began to read the winning entry to crowd and the teen recognized her own words. She wrote about the library’s role in providing a quiet place to study, and staff members that make it fun to relax with other teens, do homework and learn how to find and cite resources for school.  

“I am grateful to attend a library that is helpful and organized. Years ago, my mother began bringing my little brother and me to the Dunbar – Jupiter Hammon Public Library every Tuesday and Thursday to read.  Since then, the library has been a part of me…The library has inspired me to remain well-read,” Stittiams concluded.

Stittiams took home a new PC Windows XP Home Edition desktop computer, a Lexmark Z615 desk-jet printer, and 17-inch monitor.

Stittiams’ family says the computer will make a huge difference to Czchasity. Their home computer does not always work properly and she has to use the computers at the library to complete her homework. Now she’ll be able to access the library’s resources on-line, anytime from home.

The Friends of the Dunbar – Jupiter Hammon Public Library also presented prizes to each of the teens who entered the contest. Friends President Margaret Tolbert said the entries were all so touching, the group wanted to reward each of the participants.

“We were ecstatic with the essays from our local teens within the community.  It’s rewarding to know that our teens, young and old, enjoy coming to the library for all of their library needs.  Our children are the fabric of the community and our future,” Tolbert said.

Second-place winner Niekesha Nash received a prize package including a $50.00 Dillards gift certificate.

Third-place winner Roderic Pulley took home prizes including a $50.00 Publix gift certificate.

Taleisha Chatman, Nephalie Loiseau, and Niqueea Sykes each received gift bags of prizes.

Tolbert, along with Dunbar – Jupiter Hammon Public Library Manager, Jubilee Brainerd and LCLS Director Sheldon Kaye told the crowd they hope to make the contest an annual event.

Photos

Photo #1 – LCLS Director Sheldon Kaye addresses the audience

Photo #2 –Grand prize winner Czchasity Stittiams

Photo #3 – Second-place winner Niekesha Nash  

Photo #4 – The contest participants

# # #