1 . 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Competition

To celebrate the 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival, National Mall and Memorial Parks is hosting a youth art competition. We need your artistic help to inspire visitors to become Cherry Blossom Protectors! The blooming of the cherry trees around the Tidal Basin has come to symbolize the natural beauty of our nation’s capital city. Thousands of people come every year to see the cherry trees and enjoy the festival.

Participants

The contest is open to all Washington, D.C. students, K-6. One submission per student please.

Theme

Artworks should focus on the theme “Cherry Blossom Protector.” Draw or paint a picture that shows what you appreciate about the cherry blossoms, how we can take care of them, and why we should. Submissions must include the words “Cherry Blossom Protector”.

Deadline

Artworks will be accepted starting December 13, 2023. All submissions must be postmarked by February 25, 2024.

Submission requirements

A valid submission will contain the following information:

1. An original copy of the artwork. Each piece must be original, authentic (真实的), unpublished, the sole property of the entrant (参赛者), and not previously submitted in any other contest.

2. Your personal information, printed on either the back of your artwork or on a separate sheet attached to your physical artwork or provided with the e-mail for your digital entry: First and last name, grade/age.

3. A completed and signed entry form. Print out the entry form and send it to us when you send your artwork. Entries cannot be accepted without a signed entry form by a parent or guardian.

Delivery address

Mailed submissions must be sent to:

National Mall and Memorial Parks

c/o 2024 National Cherry Blossom Festival Student Art Competition

1100 Ohio Drive, SWWashington, DC 20242

1. Why do National Mall and Memorial Parks host the art competition?

A．To honor the national heroes.	B．To improve students’ art skills.
C．To protect the cherry blossom.	D．To attract more visitors to the parks.

2. What should you do if you attend the contest?

A．Volunteer as a cherry blossom protector.	B．Choose your own theme for the contest.
C．Email all your artworks to your school.	D．Summit artworks before February 25, 2024.

3. What should be included in the submission entries?

A．Personal information.	B．A previous submitted copy.
C．A guardian’s recommendation.	D．An electronic application form.

2 . Fine Arts Students Deliver Magical Performances

As the winter holidays approach,Brookhaven School students presented an array of extraordinary performances showcasing immense talent within our fine arts community. From the band concert to the choral concerts, each event highlighted the dedication and exceptional gifts of our students.

The December 12 Eagles Band Concert filled Woodruff Auditorium with melodies that captured the festive spirit.On December 14, the Foundations Christmas Choral Concert featured spirited performances by our 7th graders. The finale of seasonal fine arts showcases occurred on December 18 in Brady Theater with the Senior Chior Concert,spotlighting high school singers.

A highly anticipated tradition,the school-wide Holiday Assembly on December 19, hosted by esteemed Fine Arts Department Chair Mr.Kaminer, embodied the true essence of the holiday season. Angelic songs filled Young Gym, followed by joyous laughter and cheers as the “best costume” winners received their awards. Even the youngest War Eagles,the children in the Brookhaven Early Learning Center, attended the celebrations.Following the event, students merrily left school for the holiday break.

Looking toward 2024, anticipation builds for the Brookhaven theater spring productions. “Something Rotten!” promises high-energy comedic performances by theater students, while “Tuck Everlasting” assures a moving portrayal by talented Foundations students. Furthermore,the Brookhaven Dance Company will hold their showcase April 11-12 in Woodruff Auditorium. Tickets will soon be available for purchase.

1. What did the students at Brookhaven School do before the winter holidays?

A．They performed magic tricks.	B．They participated in community service.
C．They gave holiday concerts.	D．They presented new theatre productions.

2. What can we learn about Holiday Assembly on December 19?

A．It was a large celebration within the school.	B．It was an award presentation for best students.
C．It featured various fun music and sports events.	D．It was held on the first day of the winter holiday.

3. What is the text?

A．A fine arts brochure.	B．A school announcement.
C．A school newsletter.	D．A concert advertisement.

3 . Here are four writing contests available for high school students.

Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards

Skipping Stones magazine recognizes high school students that are working to promote multicultural and environmental awareness. The written submissions can include short stories, poems, and essays. Winners will receive an honor award certificate, and a year-long subscription to the magazine.

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Noteworthy former winners include John Updike, Truman Capote, and Joyce Carol Oates. Each submission is judged on technical skill, originality, and the presence of a clear vision and voice. Regional and national award winners are qualified for a variety of different monetary awards in addition to publication in the National Catalog.

Bennington Young Writers Awards

Submissions are accepted in the fiction category. Students in 10th through 12th grade can submit a one-act play or a short story, recommended by a high school teacher. The first-place fiction winner receives $500 and the second-place winner receives $ 250.

The Claremont Review Writing Contest

The Claremont Review holds an annual contest in fiction and poetry writing. Submissions are welcome from writers aged 13 to 18 and must be previously unpublished. Winners and those receiving honorable mentions will be published in the autumn issue of The Claremont Review and will receive a year-long subscription to the magazine.

1. Which contest did Truman Capote once win?

A．Skipping Stones Youth Honor Awards.

B．Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

C．Bennington Young Writers Awards.

D．The Claremont Review Writing Contest.

2. Which is a must to enter for Bennington Young Writers Awards?

A．Being a local.	B．Paying the entry fee.
C．Handing in an unpublished entry.	D．Having a teacher's recommendation.

3. What will the winners of The Claremont Review Writing Contest get?

A．Different cash prizes.	B．An honor award certificate.
C．Free magazines for 12 months.	D．An opportunity to visit a college.

4 . Elite Summer School Program for High School Students

Harvard’s Elite Program for high school students is an intensive two-week summer program designed to give you a glimpse of college life. You will live on the Harvard campus during your two-week session while taking a college-level course with other Elite Program students.

The application for Summer 2024 is now open.

Cost: $5,550+$75 application fee

2024 Session Ⅰ: June 23-July 5, 2024

2024 Session Ⅱ: July 7-19, 2024

2024 Session Ⅲ: July 21-August 2, 2024

Who Can Participate in the Elite Program?

Harvard’s Elite Program is designed for mature, academically motivated students who are interested in exploring a potential major or simply finding out what college is really like.

Our Elite Program is open to rising juniors and seniors. To be qualified for Summer 2024, you must meet both of the following criteria:

●Will graduate from high school and enter college in 2025 or 2026.

●Are at least 16 years old by June 22, 2024, and will not turn 19 years old before July 31, 2024.

Important Deadlines:

●Early Application and Priority Financial Aid Deadline — January 10, 2024

●Regular Application and Financial Aid Deadline — February 14, 2024

●Late Application Deadline — April 10, 2024

See the Elite Program Calendar for all important dates and deadlines.
1. Who can be the applicant for the Elite Program 2024?

A．Lucy, 14, with excellent academic performance.

B．Jerry, 16, expected to enter college in 2025.

C．Tina, 17, a college student with broad interests.

D．Tim, 19, an office worker with motivation to learn.

2. When is Priority Financial Aid Application available?

A．April 10, 2024.	B．February 14, 2024.
C．January 9, 2024.	D．July23, 2024.

3. Where is this text most likely from?

A．A news report.	B．A travel brochure.
C．An academic paper.	D．A college website.

5 . With graduation time around the comer, it’s a bitter-sweet moment for everyone involved.

Leaving school with style

It was inevitable that I would leave my school in London where I had spent most of my time. That day, we wore something a bit different from our usual suits and uniform and we all sat down and watched a high-light video of the last two years, including inspirational messages from our teachers and some funny photos. Two weeks later, we attended our school prom (毕业舞会), where we could dance and say a final goodbye to our teachers and friends.

Coming out strong

The graduation ceremony is one of the most memorable parts of school life in Kazakhstan. At the official farewell, teachers and parents expressed their wishes for our future and cracked some jokes about the graduates. Then students danced “the last waltz at school”. One or two days later, the graduating students went to the after-party event, involving fresh air, camping and having cozy chats by campfire. There is a tendency not to spend money on after-parties. Instead, many choose to give it to charities.

Filled with traditions

There are many traditions in the graduation ceremony in the United States. On the graduation ceremony day, four hundred of us sat on the football field and listened to speeches before we got to “walk”—went up for our diplomas and shook hands with the principal. We were dressed in formal clothing, went out for dinners and then danced the night away. There was usually an after-party at some-one’s house.

1. What are we least likely to wear in graduation ceremony in London?

A．Hanfu.

B．Costume.

C．Uniform.

D．Unusual clothes.

2. What could we do in the after-parties in Kazakhstan?

A．Spend lots of money.	B．Communicate with others.
C．Sleep in the restaurant.	D．Donate money to the school.

3. What do the ceremonies mentioned above have in common?

A．Graduates will have some parties after the ceremony.

B．Graduates will watch a video together in the ceremony.

C．Graduates’ teachers and parents will express their wishes in the ceremony.

D．Graduates and their friends and family will walk together after the ceremony.

8 . Open Days at the University of Warwick

We’d love to meet you. Find out what Warwick’s all about. We will have a huge range of activities to choose from, to give you a deeper insight into student life here.

Accommodation

Get a sense of what it will be like to live on our fabulous campus. Our accommodation trails will guide you to residences which will be open for you to look around from 10:00 a. m.-4:00 p. m. Many of our current students will also be opening their rooms for viewing and happy to share their experiences of living on campus.

Academic Talks

Learn more about our courses by attending department sessions, and speaking to our academics and current students who will contribute to your student experience at the Information Fair from 9:30 a. m.-4:00 p. m. We’d particularly recommend booking onto our“Why Warwick?“ session. It is popular so make sure you reserve your place.

Sports and Societies

Visit our Sports and Societies Fair to chat to students from a variety of clubs and societies, who’ll talk to you about all the exciting experiences and activities outside of study, and start your thinking about what clubs and societies you might like to join as a student.

Campus Tours

Head over to our campus tour tents, where our friendly student ambassadors will be ready to take you on a guided tour from 9:15 a. m.-4:00 p. m. Visit our central campus sites, including the Warwick Arts Centre to see what you could get involved in.

Click on the boxes below to find out more about our Open Days and find the answers to some of our frequently answered questions. Once you have booked, we will send you more detailed information, to help you prepare for the day.

1. Where can you get to know about the courses at Warwick?

A．Accommodation Trails.	B．The Information Fair.
C．The Sports and Societies Fair.	D．Campus Tours.

2. What can you expect to do on the day?

A．To experience living on campus.	B．To make a reservation for a course.
C．To learn about extracurricular activities.	D．To appreciate artworks on campus by yourself.

3. Where is the text probably taken from?

A．A website.	B．A journal.
C．A guidebook.	D．An advertisement.

9 . In support of Financial Literacy Month (April), youth in Michigan, aged 9-12 years old on June 1, 2023, are encouraged to answer this year’s Essay Question (see below) with an essay of 300 words or less. The top scoring essays will win a $100 gift card thanks to the generous sponsorship of Extra Credit Union.

2023 Essay Question:

What is the difference between ‘a need and a want? Discuss how you determine if something is a need or a want. How can you make sure you have enough money to get your needs and still enjoy some of your wants? Share how needs and wants might change throughout one’s life.

Timeline:

June 30, 2023: Essay Submission due by 11:59 p.m.

July 31, 2023: Winners notified by this date

Who Should Enter:

Any youth 9-12 years old residing in the state of Michigan.

To Enter:

Youth must have parent permission to apply and participate.

·The application form must be completed by a parent or guardian.

·Youth must write an essay (300 words or less) on the assigned topic above.

·Essay response will be typed or pasted into the application form on registration page. It is recommended that youth write their essay in Word or a Google doc prior to completing the registration/submission form.

·The essay must be the work of the student submitting the essay. All essays become the property of the Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Program and may be used by contest coordinators to promote financial literacy.

Thank you Extra Credit Union for offering money and help for this year’s contest!

1. What is the aim of the contest?

A．To select talented youth.	B．To support an activity.
C．To encourage people to save money.	D．To teach kids how to make money.

2. What is a requirement for the contest?

A．Participants must live in Michigan.	B．The essay hasn’t been published before.
C．The words of the entry must be over 300.	D．Participants should write under an adult’s guidance

3. What can we learn about Extra Credit Union?

A．Scoring criteria.	B．The judge.
C．The sponsor.	D．The entry fee.

10 . Show Your Money Smarts Contest 2023

Show Your Money Smarts Contest aims to give the youth a jump start by equipping them with the power of knowledge to make sound financial choices.

Why Participate:

Learn how to use credit wisely in this year’s fifth annual contest. Compete with other youths across the state of Michigan in this 30-question online challenge during the month of May and win prizes. Start developing a good credit score and history at a young age and learn how to make your credit work for you!

Teachers, librarians and other youth development professionals also can win a $25 gift card if a non-related youth you referred to the contest wins. One gift card per referring adult.

Who Should Participate:

Any youth 13-19 across the state of Michigan.

When:

Register by May 13, 2023, by 11:59 pm. ET. Complete the contest by May 31, 2023, 11:59 pm. ET.

How to Participate:

● You must sign up to be qualified for prizes. If a non-related teacher, librarian or other youth development professional referred you to this contest, you will want to include their names and emails for their chances to win a prize too!

● Learn about credit by attending an in-person class, a Zoom class, reading articles, or completing the Nearpod class here and/or exploring other credit education resources found on the Michigan 4-H website.

● On May 14, you will receive an e-mail with the game code (代码) for Quizizz. The game will be available for two weeks.

● Go to quizizz. com/join on a phone or tablet and enter the code using the same name when you register.

● High scoring youth will be entered for a prize drawing to win a $25 gift card. A maximum of 10 youth winners will be selected. Winners will be notified by June 8, 2023.

1. What knowledge is involved in the contest?

A．Game knowledge.

B．Library knowledge.

C．Computer knowledge.

D．Financial knowledge.

2. What is a must to win the prize?

A．Being a member.

B．Having a referrer.

C．Registering in advance.

D．Taking training courses.

3. What can we learn about the contest?

A．It is an online contest.	B．It charges low entry fees.
C．It is held every five months.	D．Any teenager can take part.