Staff from Oxford and Lake Orion schools, along with other community leaders, are inviting everyone to ‘Look for the Good.?
An essay contest will kick off on Oct. 2 at Crossroads for Youth in Oxford. In 1,000 words or less, students are asked to write about what the phrase ‘Look for the Good? means to them.
The Language Arts Department of Oxford Community Schools, along with staff from Lake Orion High School, have determined the criteria for judging and will serve as the judges.
Prizes will be given at each grade level.
Tracey Zambeck, director of develop-ment & agency relations for Crossroads for Youth, said the idea is simple, but can make an amazing difference when put into action.
‘The concept of Look for the Good is a guideline for everyday living,? she said. ‘It means not dwelling on what is wrong, but focusing on what is right.?
‘If it’s true that what we focus on in the world is what comes back to us, then it will truly change our lives and the lives of those around us to start living more positively,? Zambeck added.

The campaign was initially announced to the Orion Township Board of Trustees at a meeting in June. The Orion-based committee included organizer Rev. Gregory Guice, along with Don Stickler, Fred and Stephanie Smith, Paul Ferman and Sharyn Davis of the Unity Church of Lake Orion.
‘It started as an effort from a group of Unity Churches,? said Guice, noting the idea was sparked by some negative campaign ads in the media.
‘Sometimes just a few people can outweigh all of the good in our world,? he added. ‘There are some great things taking place in America and some great things taking place in the Detroit area.?
Guice noted that the campaign is quickly spreading county-wide and they would love to hear more stories and ideas.
‘We have a lot of people that are getting involved,? he said. ‘We’re going to keep adding to the campaign.?
Waste Management, Inc. is one of the local businesses participating.
The Look for the Good campaign has plans to host other events throughout the coming year, such as another essay writing contest open to the general public and an art contest and exhibition involving recycled artwork made from cast off-objects.
Visit www.lookforthegood.org for more information.
Guice said a local webpage is coming soon, as well.