Essay Contest

Open to Grades 4-12
Judging Divisions: 4-6 // 7-8 // 9-12 
 

A maximum of 3 entries per division will be accepted from each school.
Please work in coordination with your school before submitting.

4-6 Prompt

Compose an essay about the life and impact of historical or current figure in society. Explain how their life and work inspire you to dream about your own future. 

Be sure to cite at least 2 references from historically accurate sources such as texts, speeches, periodicals and reputable websites.

7-12 Prompt

Compose an essay that presents a dream you have for your life and/or the lives of future generations. Include references to impactful historical events and leaders (positive or negative) that have somehow helped to shape your dream. Detail the actions you plan to take to ensure your dream becomes a reality and how it will benefit others as well. 

Be sure to cite 3-5 references from historically accurate sources such as texts, speeches, periodicals and reputable websites.

Rules

• Submit a parent permission slip via Google Forms by November 15th at 11:59 pm. See page 6.
   
• Essays must be the original work of the student and may not have been published previously in any form, including online. Any indication of plagiarism (including copying from or overuse of A.I. tools) will be grounds for disqualification.
   
• Essays must clearly address the contest theme and prompt.
   
• Essays may not be the same as any speech performances.
   
• Word count parameters:
  • 4-6th Grades -- up to 750 words
  • 7-8th Grades -- up to 1,000 words
  • 9-12th Grades -- up to 1,500 words
     
• Essays should:
  • be typed in English
  • size 12 Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman
  • use 1” margins
  • include a works cited or sources page
     
• Include a cover sheet with the student's name, grade, and school.  This information will be removed prior to judging to ensure anonymity.
   
• Students must submit essays as a .pdf (no Word, Pages, or Docs formats) by Friday, November 15th at 11:59PM via Google Form (see page 6 of the handbook).
   
• The top three entries from each division will be recognized with awards on the evening of Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at Clovis Veterans Memorial District.