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Alltel Wireless and Dr. Maya Angelou ask students for
“Words of Wisdom”
Essay contest challenges students
to use history to help create a brighter tomorrow
 LITTLE
ROCK, Ark. – Alltel Wireless, America’s largest network, and
world renowned poet Dr. Maya Angelou are teaming up to
celebrate Black History Month with the fourth annual “Words of
Wisdom” essay contest. Students at participating Historically
Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide are encouraged to
submit their responses to the following question: “In remembering
the past, what will you do to contribute to a brighter future?”
“As the next generation strives to find their place in society, it
is important for them to reflect on their unique history as well as
the lessons history offers to shape their goals and aspirations,”
said Regina Woziwodzki, director of multicultural marketing for
Alltel Wireless. “We are excited to offer students a forum with our
‘Words of Wisdom’ essay contest to share their life experiences and
improve our society through their experiences.”
Ten Grand Prize winners will each receive a $5,000 scholarship to a
participating HBCU institution of their choice as well as a trip to
Little Rock, Ark., to meet Dr. Maya Angelou and enjoy a private
concert with R&B sensation Ruben Studdard. While in Little Rock,
students and their guests will also enjoy tours of local landmarks,
such as the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and the Arkansas
Governor’s Mansion.
Participants will be judged on their responses to the essay question
as well as their ability to strike an emotional chord and exude
passion through writing.
“I’ve very much enjoyed meeting our next generation of young people,
hearing their words of wisdom and witnessing the change they’re
looking to make that will undoubtedly benefit all of us,” said Dr.
Angelou. “I am honored to have been apart of this program for three
consecutive years because I truly believe in Alltel’s commitment to
the education of African-American students across the country.”
Essay submission forms and contest rules are available online at
www.alltel.com/wordsofwisdom. Entries must be post-marked
by March 1, 2008, and winners will be presented with their awards on
March 31, 2008. Graduating high school seniors who will be attending
HBCU institutions also are eligible to participate.
Alltel is owner and operator of the nation's largest wireless
network and has more than 12 million wireless customers. For more
information about Alltel, please visit
http://www.alltel.com.
The Words of Wisdom essay contest is open to current and prospective
students of America's participating Black colleges and universities.
Click here for a list of participating Black colleges and
universities. Fall 2008 full-time enrollment will be
verified by Alltel prior to the awarding of scholarship prizes.
Essays must be 600-800 words and must be the
original work of the submitting author.
Contest begins January 28th and ends March 1st, 2008.
Contestants have until midnight on March 1st to submit their essays.
Complete contest rules
About Dr. Maya Angelou
An internationally respected poet, writer, civil rights activist
and educator, Dr. Angelou has authored best-selling titles such as
“I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” “Gather Together in My Name,”
“The Heart of a Woman” and the collection of poems “Just Give Me a
Cool Drink of Water ‘Fore I Diiie,” which was nominated for the
Pulitzer Prize. The first Black female director in Hollywood, Dr.
Angelou has written, produced, directed and starred in productions
for stage, film and television.
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