Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question about the contest? If you are the first person to ask us an important question abou the contest, we will post your question and our answer here. These are the questions that people have asked us so far.
Can teachers help?
Are students expected to work on their entries completely on their own, or is it allowed for them to have input and feedback from parents and teachers?
--Sheila Resseger, English teacher, Rhode Island School for the Deaf
Every student has a right to ask for suggestions and criticisms on what he or she writes. Our essay contest is a learning opportunity and teachers are welcome to use the writing process with their students, encouraging them to rewrite their work until students are satisfied with what they have written. The challenge for teachers and parents is to respect the student’s idea and writing style. It is important that the adult not “take over” the project and that writing remains that of the student, not the teacher or parent.
Can international students participate?
I am a Ghanaian, living in Accra. I got your information and I want to participate in the contest. My question is: Will I be allowed to write an essay and enter it in the contest?
--Richard Doku
Yes. As long as they meet entry criteria, deaf and hard of hearing students around the globe are welcome to enter the contest. As the rules note, all entries in the writing category must be in English and all essays in the sign category must be in American Sign Language
Explain the age limits
The [contest rules] state that the student must be between the ages of 15-19. Our daughter will turn 15 on November 7. Is she still eligible to enter the essay contest?
--Ted & Jill Fricke
If a student will turn 20 this school year but is still 19 before the contest deadline, is the student allowed to participate?
-- Sheila Resseger, teacher
Both students are eligible to enter the contest. Students must be at least 15 and no older than 19 at the time that their entry is submitted to be eligible.
More Questions?
For more information, contact Tim Worthylake, contest co-cordinator.
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