The Arnold & Itkin Foundation honored the winners of its 11th annual RESPECT Contest at a ceremony held in the courtroom of Judge Christine Weems. The foundation said it awarded a combined $50,000 in prizes and charitable donations to fifth-grade students, their schools and causes they chose.
The contest asks fifth graders in Houston-area school districts to write a short essay defining what respect means to them, along with an illustration of their idea. This year's entries came from four districts: La Porte ISD, Pasadena ISD, Deer Park ISD and Galena Park ISD.
Fifteen students were named winners. Each received a $250 personal prize. Their schools received prizes ranging from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on placement, and each student received a matching donation to a charity of their choice.