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Essay & Art Contests
Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. 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 they achieve a satisfactory draft. 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 in the contest?

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? Pls kindly give me more information.

--Richard Doku

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 must be in English.

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.

About the Contests

For more information, e-mail World Around You at: essaycontest@gallaudet.edu or visit the World Around You site.

Copyright © 2004 Gallaudet University Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center
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Washington, DC 20002
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