AR-News: (US) FUND FOR ANIMALS ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN HUMANE ESSAY CONTEST

[Tracey McIntire]

For Immediate Release

FUND FOR ANIMALS ANNOUNCES WINNERS IN HUMANE ESSAY CONTEST

SILVER SPRING, MD (June 2, 2004)  The Fund for Animals, an animal 
protection organization with more than 200,000 members and active 
supporters nationwide, has announced this years winners in its annual 
Humane Essay Contest. The theme of this years contest was whether 
hunting should be allowed on federal lands designated as National 
Wildlife Refuges. First prize in each of four age categories is a $200 
U.S. Savings Bond; second prize is a $100 bond. This years winners are:

High School (grades 9-12): First Prize, Julia Evans of Florence, MT; 
Second Prize, Adam Benzabeh of Pacific, MO.

Middle School (grades 6-8): First Prize, Mollye Rose Rogel of Montclair, 
NJ: Second Prize, Brian Hansen of Hamilton, NJ.

Elementary (grades 4-5): First Prize, Amanda Ray Thurn of Grain Valley, 
MO; Second Prize, Austin Brown of Las Vegas, NV.

Primary (grades 2-3): First Prize, Justine P. Kelly-DeMello of Lynnwood, 
WA; Second Prize, Destin Cole Fleming of Mount Dora, FL.

Michael Markarian, president of The Fund for Animals, described the 
Humane Essay Contest as one of The Funds activities that gives him the 
most satisfaction. 
Its really heartening,
 he said, 
to see the caring 
and compassion of our children and young people. They have a better 
sense of fairness and justice than many adults.
 As an example, Mr. 
Markarian cited the entry of second grader Justine Kelly-DeMello, who 
said, 
I think it is not fair to hunt on places called refuges. It is 
like someone coming into your house and shooting at you and your family. 
It doesnt make sense that the government gives the animals a safe home 
but then says it is OK to hunt there.


Ninth grader Julia Evans expressed a similar sentiment when she said, 

We consider ourselves animals and as such all animals deserve refuge in 
the designated places at least. By hunting in wildlife refuges, we break 
those animals sanctuary and right to peaceful, danger-free life.


National Director Heidi Prescott noted that, 
From the youngest, who 
have barely learned to write, to those approaching high school 
graduation, these kids recognize the absurdity of allowing hunting on 
places created to serve as refuges for wildlife. Members of Congress and 
the leadership of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service could learn a lot 
from these young people about fairness and keeping promises.


The Fund for Animals, founded in 1967 by author and animal advocate 
Cleveland Amory, has spearheaded some of the most historic efforts for 
animal protection. The Funds world-famous sanctuariesincluding the 
1600 acre Black Beauty Ranch and Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in 
Murchison, Texasprovide care and a safe haven for thousands of 
abandoned or abused wild animals. On the web at www.fund.org.