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Summertime 2026

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My Future is Bright!

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To the Youth of our The Kids & Me Moms,

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We would love for you to tell us about your dreams, goals, and hopes for the future. What do you want to become? What inspires you? How will you make a difference in your family, your community, or the world?  Why do you believe "My Future is Bright!"

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Enter your narrative, essay, or poem to win cash prizes, be published online, and to share the hope you have about your future full of possibilities!

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 We want to hear what you have to say. Dream Big! Write Boldly!

Contest Guidelines

The Kids & Me

All submissions due on or before August 1, 2026.

Cash prizes will be awarded at The Kids & Me Back-to School Event
or can be picked up at a location in South Charlotte.

​Entries will be judged based on Response to the Prompt, Creativity​ & ​Originality, ​Organization, ​Supporting Details, and ​Clarity/How well ​writers express their ideas​.

DIVISION I
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Division I: Rising Grades 4-6

My Future is Bright!

  • Write a narrative or a poem about "My Future is Bright!"

  • Use from 100- 300 words.

  • Only include your own ideas.

  • Do your best work without help from mom, Ai, or other sources.

  • Submit your work in your own handwriting.​​

  • You may have help in finding correct spellings (dictionary, computer, mom, etc)

​​You may begin with one of these prompts if you choose (not required):​

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            “If I could have any future job, I would be…”

            “My dream for the world is…”

            “One day I hope to become…”

            “My future is bright because…”

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Ask your mom to email a photo (or photos, if more than 1 page) of your entry by August 1, 2026 to singlemomsandkids@gmail.com with a separate cover page that includes: 

       

  1.        DIVISION I

  2.        Your First & Last Name​

  3.        Your Age

  4.        Your Upcoming Grade Level

  5.        The Name of Your Narrative or Poem​​

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Send us your story; tell us about your bright future!

Division II
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Division II Rising Gr 7-9

My Future is Bright!

The Kids & Me

  • Write an essay or a poem about "My Future is Bright!"

  • Use from 300-500 words.

  • Include only your own writing without aid from mom, Ai, or other sources.

  • You may submit your work in your own handwriting or typed.​​

  • Utilizing spellcheck or verifying spellings with other sources (like mom or internet) is acceptable.

                          You may want to think about questions like:

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What are your dreams or goals for the future?
What talents or strengths will help you achieve them?
Who has inspired or encouraged you along the way?
What challenges might you face, and how will you overcome them?
How do you hope to make a positive difference in your family, school, community, or the world?

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Your essay should reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and hopes. There are no right or wrong answers—just be honest, creative, and let your personality shine through.

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With your mom's permission, submit your entry by August 1, 2026

via email to singlemomsandkids@gmail.com.  You can submit photo(s) if the entry is handwritten.  

 

Include a separate cover page that lists: 

       

  1.        DIVISION II

  2.        Your First & Last Name​

  3.        Your Age

  4.        Your Upcoming Grade Level

  5.        The Name of Your Essay or Poem​​

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Send us your story; tell us about your bright future!

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Division III
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Division III Rising Gr 10-12

My Future is Bright!

The Kids & Me

Write an essay or a poem explaining why you believe "My Future is Bright!"

 

Reflect on your aspirations, values, and experiences as you prepare for adulthood. Consider how your education, relationships, challenges, and personal growth have shaped your goals. Describe the future you hope to build and the steps you are taking to achieve it.​

  • ​Use from 500-750 words.

  • Include only your own writing without aid from other people, Ai, or other sources.

  • You may submit your work in your own handwriting or typed.​​

  • Utilizing spellcheck or verifying spellings with other sources is acceptable.

​You may choose to address questions such as:

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What are your educational or career goals?
What experiences have influenced your vision for the future?
What obstacles have you faced, and what have they taught you?
How will your talents, character, and determination help you achieve your goals?
How do you hope to make a positive impact on your family, community, or the world?​

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​​There is no single "right" answer. The strongest essays will be thoughtful, well-organized, and authentic. We want to hear your unique perspective and understand what inspires you to pursue a bright future.

 

Tips for Success

 

  • Write in your own voice.

  • Support your ideas with specific examples or personal experiences.

  • Organize your essay with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.

  • Proofread your work for grammar, spelling, and clarity before submitting.

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We are looking for essays that demonstrate reflection, originality, and a vision for the future.

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Submit your entry by August 1, 2026 via email to singlemomsandkids@gmail.com.  You can submit photo(s) if the entry is handwritten.  

 

Include a separate cover page that lists: 

       

  1.        DIVISION III

  2.        Your First & Last Name​

  3.        Your Age

  4.        Your Upcoming Grade Level

  5.        The Name of Your Essay or Poem​​

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Send us your story; tell us about your bright future!

The Kids & Me
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Hey The Kids & Me Moms!

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Complete the 3 steps of the THIS IS LOVE Challenge

to receive a $50 gift card in your valentine!

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DEADLINE for all submissions:  MONDAY Feb 16, 2026

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1

Step

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Discussing:  The 5 Languages

for Moms & Kids

Discussing:  Looking for Love 

in All the Wrong Places

Attend on time (waiting room opens @3:55pm/ attendance is taken at 4pm)

at least one Live Laugh Latte Zoom meeting in the month of February (offered Feb 1 and Feb 15).  â€‹â€‹

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Register, if not already, to get the Zoom link here

(for Single Moms with children under 18 living in the household ONLY).

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2

Step

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Create a THIS IS LOVE poster with your children.

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You can use poster board, construction paper, notebook paper, or any materials you have on hand.

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​DIRECTIONS:

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~You or your children write (or trace for littles) "GOD", "Loves", Mom's name, and child(ren)'s name(s) in the indicated squares.

 

~Look up each Bible scripture about God's love with your child(ren).  You can use this tool to help find the verses.

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~You or your children write the words for each verse in the designated boxes.

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~Decorate as you please.  :)

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3

Step

Text or email a picture of you and your children

with your THIS IS LOVE poster to 980.216.8841 or singlemomsandkids@gmail.com.

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Be sure to include your first and last name

& your Charlotte-area mailing address in your email or text.

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~Deadline for all submissions:  MONDAY Feb 16, 2026~

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***Your image will be shared on The Kids & Me social media and website unless you indicate that you do not permit it.***

The Kids & Me
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