Cash Prizes in 4 Divisions1st place $125
2nd place $75 3rd place $50 *Judges may recognize Honorable Mention essays that will not receive cash awards. DisclaimerThe 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:
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Submission Links:Deadline for submissions extended to May 1, 2026.
Submission links are now open! 1 submission per student. No specific formatting requirements. Please submit as a PDF. PK-2: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeK4JCVErTWqDvyBDlT8ypoa6SqMSfTsrCG5j5B6oTisn_3JA/viewform?usp=dialog Grades 3-5: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPXskWXvnhkxSeW45wOAKRk1EvjaCD0-awoxZ7Gtf4gcbqnw/viewform?usp=dialog Grades 6-8: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefHBjMFhMd7XgYZDtpc4G_Z5ECYpQkt_VPEi9L_xeyY2CHXg/viewform?usp=dialog Grades 9-12: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScg2YURFlJxY1UMU9Aopf4K9MoxZfjNruf419Ckx-v4OJB2CQ/viewform?usp=dialog 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:
Scoring Criteria:Evidence
Convincing, concrete details that go beyond the obvious. Ample and varied examples or a single powerful example clearly demonstrate how words made a difference/had power in the student's or others' lives. Voice Author’s passion for raising their voice to share this moment(s) is clear and compelling. The student's 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. |
