Comcast Joins Cook County Commissioner Richard Boykin to Launch “BE HEARD Art and Essay Contest”

Comcast joined Cook County 1st District Commissioner Richard R. Boykin this morning at Chicago’s Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School to launch his second annual “BE HEARD Art and Essay Contest,” a civics education, voter registration and get-out-the-vote initiative aimed at grammar and high school students.

Third through 8th grade students in Cook County can enter the contest by submitting an inspiring slogan with accompanying art work reflecting the theme “Be Heard: One Vote Can Change the World.”  High school students in the county can enter by submitting a 500-word essay about how voting can influence issues that affect many local communities, ranging from violence to a lack of educational opportunities.

“Celebrating the creative and artistic talents of our youth is critically important and is a common thread woven through my service to the 1st District,” says Boykin. “Given the significance of civic engagement during this presidential election year, I hope this competition will ignite a spirit of hope and transformation in our next generation of leaders. Additionally, I am pleased to partner with Comcast to expand the scope of the competition to include students from across the entire County, along with enhancing the offering of prizes.”

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“Voting is a cornerstone of democracy,” said John Crowley, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region. “Comcast is proud to support the ‘Be Heard’ contest in partnership with Commissioner Boykin and thanks him for his efforts to engage and educate Cook County students about the democratic process.”

“Several of the students who attended the launch of the contest this morning told me they get information about current events via social media,” said Comcast Community Affairs manager Fawn Smith, who attended the event.  Smith let them know that Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which provides eligible low-income families broadband Internet service at home for about $10 a month, can help them continue to stay on top of current events.

This year’s winners will receive cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000 and lap top computers courtesy of Comcast.  All entries are due by April 29, 2016. For more information and essay guidelines, visit www.richardrboykin.com or call (312) 603-4566.