Denver City Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth will present awards Thursday, Oct. 17 to winners of the 1st Annual Elvin R. Caldwell, Sr. District 8 Youth Essay Contest.

The awards program will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Clyburn Village - US Bank Community Room, 3280 Downing Street.

A panel comprised of various District 8 community leaders selected the individual winners from elementary, middle and senior high schools. Each winner will receive a $500 scholarship and the school they attend will receive a $500 grant.

Over 43 essays were submitted this year. All essay contest participants will be given a certificate of recognition along with passes to the Denver Zoo, Museum of Nature and Science and the Denver Art Museum.

The winners are:

• Zach Lehman
  East High School
• Kierra Cortez
  Bruce Randolph Middle School
• Savannah Shaffer
  Barrett Elementary School
• Dr. Betty Johnson, Principal - Barrett Elementary School, Neighborhood Partner Award. Dr. Johnson, will be given a special recognition for her community work in conjunction with North City Park Civic Association which is located in the Skyland neighborhood.

Mr. Elvin R. Caldwell, Sr., 83, will attend the ceremony and distribute the awards. Mr. Caldwell was the former District 8 State Legislator and the first African-American Denver City Councilman; the event was named in his honor.

For more information, contact Councilwoman Elbra Wedgeworth, District 8 at 303-298-7641.