THE ASSOCIATION of WASHINGTON GENERALS

2008 ESSAY COMPETITION BEGINS

The Association of Washington Generals (AWG) is organized exclusively for charitable purposes. As part of our mission, we partner with schools in Washington State to support them in teaching the basic skills of reading and writing intelligently so that the young people of our state will be better prepared to meet the challenges of the future.

 In order to promote academic excellence and strong literacy skills, the Washington Generals sponsor an essay contest each year for students in grades 7-8,  9-11 grades and 12^th grade.  NOTE:  This year, the 12^th grade contest is a brand new category in which the overall winner will receive a higher educational scholarship of $1,500.

 Teacher/Advisor and Students Cash Awards!

 The first place winning student in each grade-level category (7-8 grades and 9-11 grades) will receive a check for $500.00.  The two runners-up in each category will receive a check for $100.00. The overall statewide winner from the noted categories will receive an additional $500.00. The overall statewide second-place runner-up from the noted categories will receive an additional $250.00. In addition, each award winner (7-8 and 9-11 grades) will receive a certificate and their school will be presented a plaque at a future awards ceremony in their school.

The 12^th grade winner will be awarded a higher education scholarship of $1,500. The Teacher/Advisor who submits the most student essays will receive a cash award of $250.  

 Essay Topic:

 As part of its ongoing mission to serve as the State of Washington’s ambassadors and promote Washington to the rest of the nation and the world, The Association of Washington Generals wants to learn our students’ perspective on what they believe are the three (3) most important dates in Washington State’s history. Please assist us in our efforts to acquire your thoughts by writing a descriptive essay around the subject.

 A Note to Teachers/Advisors:

 The idea behind the AWG essay competition is to inspire young students to learn to express themselves and their ideas in essay form. The role of the teacher/advisor is to act as a guide to encourage their students, rather than to coach them in what the teacher/advisor believes are the essay requirements. In the past, submissions from many schools followed the same basic pattern--set out by the teacher/advisor as the approach to the topic.  The intent of this essay competition is to acquire the student’s personal thoughts on the topic and is designed to make him or her think for themselves.

 Essay Requirements:

 Your entry should be in the form of a descriptive essay describing what you believe are the three (3) most important dates in Washington State’s history. As a student in our State’s school system, please focus on the issues which are most important to you. Remember that you are conveying your individual thoughts and ideas, which are important for all of us to know.  You will also need to explain your views. 

 The paper may be as long or as short as you see fit. However, it must be long enough to create a well-written and engaging description of your ideas but short enough to maintain the readers’ interest.

 Your essay will be judged based on:

·         how well you present your views on the essay topic (Content);

·         how well you organize your essay (Organization);

·         the technique of your writing (Style), and

·         your demonstration of proper grammar, usage, capitalization, and spelling (Conventions).

 All essays must follow the submission requirements stated on the essay competition application. To learn more about the Association of Washington Generals or to obtain an essay application packet, please visit www.washingtongenerals.org.

THE ASSOCIATION of WASHINGTON GENERALS

ESSAY COMPETITION 2008 APPLICATION

ELIGIBILITY:  This competition is only open to students in grades 7-12, currently attending public, private or home school in the State of Washington.

ESSAY SUBJECT:  This year’s essay topic asks the question:  “What do you believe are the three (3) most important dates in Washington State’s history? Please identify why you selected these three dates.

CASH PRIZES:  The first place winning student in each grade-level category (7-8 grades and 9-11 grades) will receive a check for $500.00.  The two runners-up in each category will receive a check for $100.00. The overall statewide winner from the noted categories will receive an additional $500.00. The overall statewide second-place runner-up from the noted categories will receive an additional $250.00. In addition, each award winner (7-8 and 9-11 grades) will receive a certificate and their school will be presented a plaque at a future awards ceremony in their school. The 12^th grade winner will be awarded a higher education scholarship of $1,500. The Teacher/Advisor who submits the most student essays will receive a cash award of $250. 

WEBSITE:  To obtain additional information about the Association of Washington Generals, please visit. www.washingtongenerals.org.

DEADLINE: In order to be considered by the judges, The Association of Washington Generals must receive your essay on or before Monday, December 1, 2008.

TEACHER/FACILITY ADVISOR - MAIL ESSAY COMPETITION PACKETS TO:  The Association of Washington Generals c/o 1606 Sylvester Street SW Olympia, WA  98501  NOTE:  If you have any questions regarding this competition, please e-mail us at: ssjonas@comcast.net

Name, Telephone Number and Address of School

 Please identify your grade so that you will be judged in the appropriate category:

            ¨  Grades 7 – 8        ¨ Grades 9 – 11                   ¨ Grade 12    

NOTE: Your essay must be securely attached to this form.  If your name or any other identifying information is included in your essay, your submission will be DISQUALIFIED.  Each essay will be assigned a code number upon its receipt to ensure that judging is based solely on the merits of your writing.

Attached is my essay submission.  I understand that this form, accompanied by my essay, must be received on or before Monday, December 1, 2008.  I also understand that submission of my essay becomes the property of The Association of Washington Generals and may be used by their organization without prior permission.