Club, Evanston schools announce KiwanisFunville contest

• Reprints

Updated: February 15, 2012 5:48PM

The Kiwanis Club of Evanston and Evanston Township High School are initiating a contest, FunvilleKiwanis, which will be open to middle and high school students from Evanston.

FunvilleKiwanis is based on the premise that innovative, creative ideas that involve something enjoyable or entertaining can engage people in community building and improvement, the club said in a news released issued Wednesday.

The club will offer two $250 cash awards, one each to a middle and a high school student who envisions a new, interactive way of working with and relating to others to change behavior and make our community a better place, according to the release.

The idea can address any topic or need and create change for the better. It must include some element that’s fun for the people it engages.

The middle school prize will be named in honor of Dr. Robert Storm, a 61-year member of the club and a retired veterinarian. The high school prize will bear the name of the late Robert Heiberger, a longtime Kiwanian and an ETHS graduate who supported many community activities.

Both epitomize Kiwanis values of camaraderie and service, the club said.

“The contest is open to all middle and high school students living in Evanston, including home school students,” said Dr. Stamata Blanas of the Kiwanis Club, in the release.

Co-chair Joan Hickman added, “The cooperation and initiative of the teachers and administration has been superlative. We appreciate their efforts and look forward to working with them to engage middle and high school students in FunvilleKiwanis.”

Each entry must include a written explanation accompanied by a visualization of the idea. Entries will be based on creativity, feasibility and adherence to the concept that fun is the best way to change behavior and build community.

The contest is open now and will conclude on April 15.

Students and parents can access complete details by going to FunvilleKiwanis.com Community members will be able to access the site to see what “fun” projects the students have created.

Winners will honored in late spring at a Kiwanis meeting.