The Kudzu Coalition provided approximately $1,000 for numerous awards. These awards were called "Kudzu Coalition Youth Awards", and included prizes for two categories, grades 6 - 8 and grades 9 to 12. All prizes were awarded at the Kudzu Kapers event on Saturday, April 25, at 12 noon at Hub-Bub, 149 S. Daniel Morgan Ave., Suite 2, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Youth Art and Writing Awards For the benefit of teachers, Art and Writing Requirements and Criteria 2009 were available for print out and display. The same link provided the application form for students.

Prizes were given to two school grade groups: Grades 6 to 8, and grades 9 to 12. The awards were, as follows.

  1. Art awards to individual students.
    1. $100 First Prize for each grade group.
    2. $ 50 Second Prize for each grade group.
    3. $ 25 Third Prize for each grade group.
  2. Writing awards to individual students.
    1. $100 First Prize for each grade group.
    2. $ 50 Second Prize for each grade group.
    3. $ 25 Third Prize for each grade group.
  3. Adult awards: Although no cash awards were given, in 2009 there were a new set of awards in the form of ribbons for entries from adults in both Art and Writing. All adult entries were hung at the Hub-Bub showroom. This provided an excellent way for teachers, instructors, and volunteers to display their work.
  4. Community Service Award: The Coalition also funded $175 in prizes to each grade group with the most student hours worked on kudzu during fall 2008, winter and spring 2009. Time in kudzu training at Kudzu Kollege or in the classroom was included in the total time.
  5. Kudzu Kapers Events: Additionally, four more prizes of $50 each were awarded for judging which took place at Kudzu Kapers on May 2. The group awards were given to the club, class, or organization most responsible for the achievement.
    1. $50 prize to each grade group for the largest kudzu crown removed after September 1, 2008.
    2. $50 prize to each grade group for the highest student attendance at Kudzu Kapers, and present at the time awards were given.

If you would like to donate towards or help plan, organize, publicize, set up, or otherwise participate as a volunteer in future student activities, please give us a call at 585-0990.

Newt Hardie
August 2009