16th Annual Project on Racism Essay Contest

Official Contest Rules

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 25, 2008
MAIL ENTRIES TO:
YWCA- MLK ESSAY CONTEST
1100 Chapline Street
Wheeling, WV 26003

We join with the West Virginia State Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Celebration Commission in extending an invitation to all school aged children in WV to participate in the YWCA “Project on Racism Essay Contest”. Each year we provide students with a venue to share their vision and views of Dr. King’s lessons and teaching. Our theme for this is The Dream Is ALIVE. We use a quote from Dr. King along with a question for the students to answer. This year we are using – “The ultimate measure of a man* is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” *Within the scope of Dr. King’s vision – “man” is inclusive of all mankind and humanity.

Essays will be written based on the following questions:
The question for grades 1 – 5 is: Do you think the Presidential Election is changing how people think about Dr. King’s Dream?

6 – 12: Given the historic ramifications of the Presidential Election do you think Dr. King’s dream of a just and equal America is being realized?

Any student in grades one through twelve (1-12) attending public, private or home school in the state of WV may enter.

• All essays must be handwritten, typed, or computer generated in black ink on white paper, double-space, one-side only
• Maximum length: 500 words
• Do NOT include photographs, images, illustrations, etc.
• Do NOT send binders, portfolios, or report covers
• Include an official entry form to your original, unpublished essay
• Parents/teachers may type students work but original must accompany submission

Winners will be selected according to the following criteria: originality-20%; grammar-20%; relevancy to theme -30%; effective expression-30%.

First, Second and Third Place winners will be chosen in four categories: grades 1-2, 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. Winners will receive savings bonds and first place winners will be given the opportunity to read their essays at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Awards Luncheon in January 2009. All winning students and teachers will receive recognition certificates. No responsibility can be assumed for lost or late mail. Entries will not be acknowledged or returned. Please address all questions to Diana Bell, State Coordinator MLK Essay Contest, YWCA Wheeling, 304-232-0511. Entries can be faxed to 304-232-0513 or e-mailed to ywcadiana@aol.com.

Copy forms as needed

2008 Winners of the Annual Essay Contest
2007 Winners of the Annual Essay Contest
2006 Winners of the Annual Essay Contest

Read the past winning essays, view the posters and see all the winners.
Download the booklets (PDF format).

2007 memorial awards booklet
2005 memorial awards booklet