On 27 March, teachers, students, American diplomats, Peace Corps Volunteers, and Fulbright grantees gathered at the American Cultural Center to honor the winners of the student essay contest “What Is the Meaning of Tolerance in the Modern World?”
The contest was launched on December 12, 2011 to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the proclamation of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The organizers received 364 essay submissions from 32 high schools and national colleges throughout Bucharest.
“Anne de Noailles” French High School is credited with the largest participation (52 students), followed by “Iulia Hasdeu” National College (33 students), and “Matei Basarab” National College (31 students). The essays were judged on both style and content by a jury composed of Americans affiliated with the U.S. Diplomatic Mission to Romania.
In her opening remarks, Libby Gitenstein, U.S. Ambassador’s wife, congratulated all participants and encouraged them to get involved in future competitions.
Cristina Balan, Officer-in-Charge, UNIC Bucharest, Dana Stanculescu, Director, Department for Culture, Education and Tourism of the Bucharest City Mayor ‘s Office, and Giovana Soare, Communication and Human Resources Director at Apa Nova, also addressed the audience and presented the participants with certificates of appreciation and gifts.