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Contest Entry Form

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

If you are the first person to ask us an important question about the contest that we feel should be shared with others, we will post both your question and our answer here. Below are the questions that people have asked us so far.

1. 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.

2. Can you explain the age limits?

Our daughter will turn 15 on November 7. Can she enter the essay contest in the 15- to 19-year-old category?

--Ted & Jill

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 to enter the category for 15-to 19-year-olds. The same parameters hold for the category for 9- to 14-year-olds.

Do you have a question? If so, contact contest co-coordinator Tim Worthylake.