2020 Animal Essay Contest Winners Presented Awards, with Special Honors to Council Representative Capehart

By Carol Weemes, Arlington Animal Services

Posted on June 24, 2020, June 24, 2020

This novel year, 2020, marked the 19th anniversary of the Arlington Animal Essay Contest established by District 2 City Council Representative Sheri Capehart. Award presentations traditionally held in March at City Hall were delayed due to the pandemic and held virtually instead on June 23 in the interest of public health.

Social distancing did not quell the excitement of the winners, representing 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Arlington youth receiving recognition and the esteemed awards presented by Capehart.

The concept of the contest began in late 2000, when Capehart was asked for ideas on how to combine animal advocacy with elementary student-level writing during a conversation with Dr. Allan Saxe.

Since that time, more than 17,500 essays have been submitted by students in this highly competitive annual event, with 228 essay winners being recognized and educated about responsible pet ownership, and the operations and services provided at the Arlington Animal Services Center.

 A highlight in the ceremony came when Mayor Jeff Williams delivered a proclamation, honoring Capehart as a founder of the Arlington Animal Essay Contest, and for her “compassion, dedication, and commitment to the design and success of the contest.”

Click here to see photos of the Animal Essay Contest winners being recognized by Arlington City Council.

 On behalf of the Arlington City Council, Williams proclaimed June 23, 2020, as Sheri Capehart Annual Animal Essay Contest Day.

 Capehart, well-known as a fervent animal advocate, is known to quote Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words, “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

Gandhi’s quote now adorns a featured wall of art in the Animal Services Center.

 “Data shows a direct correlation between animal abuse, and those people who abuse animals, oftentimes grow up to abuse people,” said Capehart. “We are trying to get into schools at an early age to provide a method for intervention.”

 Capehart’s contributions to the community with her passion to educate youth in responsible pet ownership will never be forgotten and will continue to live on in the Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest.

 Learn more about the “Sheri Capehart Animal Essay Contest” here.