“Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.”

In the nearly 200 years since those words were written — by John Howard Payne, for the opera “Clari” — they have become a comforting saying. But have you ever stopped to consider what they really mean? What makes a house a home?
To celebrate its 100th anniversary, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation is asking children across the country just that: What makes your house a home?

In conjunction with Scholastic, Inc., the Coldwell Banker “My Home: The American Dream Contest” asks students to explain, through images or words, how they make their houses, apartments or condos homes; for example, enjoying family togetherness, enhancing their learning or creating their own special sanctuaries. Entries may be submitted in the form of a short film on DVD or VHS; a storyboard, comic book or series of photographs with text; or an essay accompanied by illustrations.

Three grand prize-winning students each will receive $2,000 cash prizes awarded for excellence in creativity and innovation. Thirty finalists, 10 in each age category, each will be awarded $100. The three teachers of the grand prize-winning students each will receive a new digital camera for their classrooms. All entries must be postmarked by Dec. 1.

“With this contest, we really wanted to inspire children to think about what makes their house a home, and what it means for a family to own its own home,” said Jim Gillespie, president and chief executive officer, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. “Whether it is a place for their family to come together or a house that has been handed down through the generations, we want to hear directly from kids about what makes their homes special.”

The contest is open to residents of the United States who currently attend grades K-8, as well as children in those age ranges who are home schooled. For full contest details, visit the Web site at www.coldwellbanker.com/ AmericanDream.

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