Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc., the largest independent residential real estate company in the United States, has joined forces with WMAR ABC2 in Baltimore, Md., to promote literacy and encourage creative writing in Maryland schools. In partnership with The Preston Mitchum, Jr., (PMJ) Foundation, Long & Foster and ABC2 will sponsor a writing contest for fifth- and sixth-grade students in the Baltimore and surrounding area.

Now in its fifth year, the PMJ Foundation’s essay contest encourages students to enhance their communication skills by challenging their creative-thought process and exercising their writing skills. In past years, hundreds of students have participated in the contest, which runs from April 1 to 28 this year and is part of the PMJ Foundation’s overall objective to “educate, empower and provide a vision of a brighter future for youth.”

This is the first year that Long & Foster has co-sponsored the essay contest, and Cindy Ariosa, senior vice president and regional manager of Long & Foster Real Estate’s Baltimore, Md., region, said she and the team of real estate professionals at Long & Foster is excited to help students in the Baltimore area.

“Giving back to the various communities in which we live and work is a top priority for Long & Foster, and that’s why we support organizations like the PMJ Foundation and its annual essay contest,” said Ariosa. “The PMJ Foundation has made a positive impact on so many individuals in our area, and it’s truly our privilege to support them in their mission of creating a brighter future for the youth.”

Contest winners will be selected after May 31, and prizes include a laptop, digital camera and gift certificate. To learn more about the contest, visit www.abc2news.com/pmj.