Disclaimer

The decision of the judges' panel is final.Submitting an essay allows MCSTOYA and/or MCELA to share the writing submission or lines from the writing submission through their social media channels without identifying the specific student. Use of student names will only occur if specific permission is granted by the student and parent/guardian.

Questions? 

Email
Heather Webster, MCTSTOYA Board Member: [email protected]
or
Patti Forster, MCELA President: [email protected]

Links to Contest Sponsors:

Submission Links:

Deadline for submissions
April 17, 2026
​
Submission links will open March 20, 2026:

Grades PK-2: 
https://forms.gle/aTojHo1LF4BPHE7y9
Grades 3-5: 
https://forms.gle/iJVHZPaFQp6M3nbL8
Grades 6-8: 
https://forms.gle/oaJDFZ9vYmWRwprw7
Grades 9-12: 
https://forms.gle/ojc3vz5gFXKUykRC7

Writing Prompt:

Words can help, hurt, inspire, or change things. Write about a time when words made a difference–to you or to others–or explain how words have the power to shape our lives. ​​

Contest Rules:

• Must be a Maine student.
• Any style of writing (essay, narrative, comic strip, illustration, mixed media collage, poetry)
• Maximum of 600 words

Scoring Criteria:

Evidence
Convincing, concrete details that go beyond the obvious. Ample and varied examples or a single powerful example clearly demonstrate the teacher’s significant impact.
Voice
Author’s passion for raising their voice to recognize this teacher is clear and compelling. The students word choices create writing that is lively, expressive, and engaging. The author’s voice shines through in the writing.
Emotional Impact
Interacts with and engages the reader in ways that reveal the author’s own personality, making unique choices to reach the audience. Memorable.