TEMECULA – All 133 Temecula third and fourth graders who entered this year’s essay contest and attend the Saturday, March 2, Can-Do Celebration at the Community Recreation Center will receive an unexpected surprise: a 4" x 4" sticker proclaiming, "I’m a Can-Do Kid!"

The celebration starts 4 p.m. and, presented by Friends of Ronald Reagan Sports Park, rewards students who displayed the initiative to enter the contest. The artwork features a kangaroo mascot created by Tony Moramarco of Bigfoot Graphics. The idea was conceived by Jeff Minkler, FRRSP vice president.

All who receive a sticker will be invited to march in Temecula’s Fourth of July Parade as part of the Friends of Ronald Reagan Sports Park entry.

Top three contest entries will receive cash prizes: $150 for first place, $100 for second, and $50 for third. All finalists will receive a certificate. The teacher of the student who submits the winning essay will receive $100 for classroom supplies.

Under the direction of Tracy Givens, a Temecula Prep music teacher, third and fourth grade students will Advertisement

[ Murrieta Volkswagen ] provide patriotic music. Her students, in a special market test, approved the sticker artwork selected. One segment will be by her third graders and another by Jeannine Mehochko’s fourth grade music students.

Also on tap will be a presentation by this year’s winner of the Temecula-Murrieta area $500 scholarship. The senior will be announced at the event.

The school with the greatest number of students, whose entries complied with all the requirements of the essay contest, will receive the Mayor’s Trophy from Temecula City Council member Chuck Washington.

Washington also will proclaim March 3, 2013, "Can-Do Day," to commemorate the date in 1983 when President Reagan praised the volunteers in the Temecula Valley for their "typical American spirit" for building a sports park without government assistance.

Susan Jones, Temecula’s City Clerk, will sing the Star Spangled Banner. Georgianna Mandel, last year’s essay contest winner, will have a table display of her jewelry at the event. Then nine-years-old, she won because of her initiative in making jewelry that is reasonably priced for young students.