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Enter The Ladies’ Home Journal Essay Contest

OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES

Void outside the 50 United States and where prohibited. Do not proceed to enter if you are not at least 21 years of age and a legal resident of, and located within, one of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia at the time of entry.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.
The Ladies’ Home Journal Personal Essay Contest begins at 12:01a.m. Eastern Time(“E.T.”) on August 9, 2011 and ends at 11:59 p.m., E.T. on December 13, 2011. Mail entries must be postmarked no later than December 13, 2011, and received no later than December 23, 2011. Sponsor: Meredith Corporation, 1716 Locust St., Des Moines, Iowa.

ENTRY: THERE ARE TWO WAYS TO ENTER

  1. Mail Entry: Write an essay (first-person narratives) of personal growth, for example: a life lesson or personal challenge at a minimum of 1,500 words and a maximum of 2,500 words, typed, double-spaced and page numbered on 8-1/2x11paper. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number and e-mail address (optional) on each page and send to: Personal Essay Contest, Ladies’ Home Journal, 805 Third Avenue, 26th Fl., New York, NY, 10017.
  2. Online Entry: Visit www.lhj.com/essaycontest and complete the registration from, then follow the steps to submit your essay.

Entries must be original (written by entrant), unpublished and may not have won any prize or award. Entries handwritten, fictional, or exceeding the required length may be disqualified. Entries may not contain brand names or trademarks. All entries are final upon submission. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject and/or disqualify any entries, subjects, or related materials that Sponsor deems to be obscene, defamatory, profane, offensive, lewd, pornographic, false, misleading, deceptive, or otherwise inconsistent with its editorial standards, audience expectations, or reputational interests or that Sponsor believes may violate any applicable law or regulation or the rights of any third party. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to verify any element of any entry or related materials, request additional information and to disqualify any entrant whose participation may subject the contest, Sponsor, or Sponsor’s advertisers, clients, or customers to controversy, negative publicity, scorn, or ridicule.

LIMIT: One entry per person, regardless of method of entry. Any attempt by an entrant, or any other person, to obtain more than the stated number of entries by using multiple/different email addresses, identities, registrations, logins, or any other methods may result in disqualification by Sponsor, in its sole discretion.

ELIGIBILITY: Legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia, 21 years of age or older are eligible to enter, except employees of Sponsor, and any other organizations affiliated with the sponsorship, fulfillment, administration, prize support, advertisement or promotion of the Contest and/or their respective agents, affiliates, subsidiaries and members of their immediate families or household members. “Immediate family members” shall mean parents, step-parents, children, step-children, siblings, step-siblings, or spouses. “Household members” shall mean people who share the same residence at least three months a year.
WINNER SELECTION: On or about January 2, 2012, a qualified panel of judges appointed by Sponsor will select one (1) winner from among the eligible entries based on originality 25%, essay theme 25%, use of language 25%, and overall creativity 25%. In the event of a tie, the winner will be the entry among the tied entries with the higher score in overall creativity. Potential winner will be notified by phone and/or email and prize will be delivered approximately thirty (30) days from date of winner verification. Decisions of judges are final and binding in all respects.
PRIZING: One (1) winner will receive a check for $3000. Winner’s essay may be published in a future issue of Ladies’ Home Journal magazine. Publication of essay is at the sole discretion of the editors and is not guaranteed. This element of the prize has no retail value, and if it becomes impractical or impossible to fulfill this element, Sponsor will have fulfilled its prize obligation by having provided the remaining elements of the prize.

Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize (or portions thereof) of equal or greater value if prize (or portions thereof) cannot be awarded as described. Sponsor will determine all elements of prizing in its sole discretion. Prize may not be assigned, transferred, or changed, except at the sole discretion of Sponsor. Prize is awarded “as is” with no warranty or guarantee express or implied by Sponsor. Sponsor disclaims all and any liability for the actual provision, quality or nature of any third party product or service accepted by the winner. All taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner. The awarding of any prize is contingent upon full compliance with these Official Rules.
CONDITIONS/WARRANTIES: Entrants agree to be bound by Official Rules and agree that if any winner fails to provide proof of identity, refuses to provide documentation, is found to have violated the Official Rules or otherwise does not meet eligibility criteria, prize will be forfeited and awarded to an alternate winner with the next highest score. Entrants understand that Sponsor is not liable for injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising from participation in this promotion and acceptance, possession and use of prize. Sponsor is not responsible for any typographical or other error in the printing of the offer, administration of the contest or in the announcement of the prize. Decisions of Sponsor are final and binding in all respects.
Sponsor assumes no responsibility for entries it is unable to process due to network, hardware or other technical failures; or any other reason, or incomplete, damaged, misdirected, illegible, stolen or lost online or mail entries. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process, the operation of the web site or otherwise in violation of these Official Rules. Sponsor further reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to cancel, terminate or modify this promotion if not capable of completion as planned, including infection by computer virus, technical corruption, non-authorized human intervention, or any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, or integrity of the contest. In the event of cancellation, Sponsor reserves the right to select winner from among all eligible entries received prior to date of cancellation. The use of automated entry systems or any other conduct that impedes the integrity of the contest is prohibited. In the event of a dispute regarding online entry, entry will be deemed made by the holder of an established e-mail account associated with the entry.
RELEASES: By participating in this contest and accepting any prize that they may win, entrants agree to release Sponsor, its parent, subsidiary, affiliated and successor companies, advertising and promotion agencies and prize suppliers, and each of their respective officers, directors, agents, representatives and employees, as well as each of their respective successors, representatives and assigns (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all actions, claims, injury, loss or damage arising in any manner, directly or indirectly, from participation in this contest and/or acceptance or use of the prize.
Entrants authorize the Released Parties to use their name, voice, likeness, biographical data, city and state of residence and entry materials in all media now known or hereafter discovered, for any purpose, including without limitation, in connection with, and to promote, market or advertise, the contest, in whole or in part, without review, approval, credit or attribution, notification or payment from or to entrant or any person or entity, worldwide, in perpetuity, or on a winner’s list, if applicable, unless prohibited by law. Sponsor is not obligated to use any of the above-mentioned information or materials, but may do so and may edit such information or materials, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, without further obligation or compensation.
By submitting entry materials, entrants certify that such materials are original and created by entrant, that entrants have the necessary rights, permission and authority to submit such materials, and, if applicable, that entrants maintain a valid copyright in the materials.
By submitting entry materials, entrants acknowledge that they understand and agree that the Released Parties’ use of material containing features and elements similar to or identical with those contained in entrants’ entry materials does not entitle entrants to any compensation. By entering, entrants waive any right of action against the Released Parties in connection with the Released Parties’ use of any material (or any part thereof), whether or not the material contains features or elements similar or identical to those contained in entrants’ entry materials.
PRIVACY: Registration for Sponsor’s www.lhj.com website is required to enter the Contest online. When you register, we collect personally identifying information about you, including your name, mailing address, and email address. The information that you provide will be added to a centralized Sponsor database so that you will simultaneously be registered for Sponsor’s other websites as well.

By entering and/or providing the required registration information, you acknowledge that Sponsor may send you information, samples, or special offers it believes may be of interest to you about its publications or other complementary goods offered by Sponsor. Sponsor may also include your name and postal address in postal address lists that Sponsor sells or rents to third parties for marketing purposes. For more information about how Sponsor uses the information you provide, see Sponsor’s privacy policy at www.lhj.com. IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO SHARE YOUR INFORMATION, PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THIS PROMOTION.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION: Except where prohibited, by participating Contest entrants agree that: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of participant(s) and Sponsor and its agents shall be governed by and construed exclusively in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any principles of conflicts of law of any jurisdiction. Entrant agrees that any action at law or in equity arising out of or relating to this Contest, or awarding of the prize, shall be filed only in the state or federal courts located in the State of New York and entrant hereby consents and submits to the personal jurisdiction of such courts for the purposes of litigating any such action. Except where prohibited, by participating in this Contest, entrant agrees that: (a) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with this Contest, or awarding of the prize, shall be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; and (b) any and all claims, judgments and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with participating in this Contest but in no event attorneys’ fees; and (c) under no circumstances will any participant be permitted to obtain awards for and hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental and consequential damages and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses, and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased. Some jurisdictions do not allow the limitations or exclusion of liability for incidental or consequential damages, so the above may not apply to you.
GENERAL: Except where prohibited by law, potential winner will be required to complete and return an Affidavit of Eligibility and IRS W9 Form, Publicity Release and License of Pre-Existing Work within ten (10) days of notification or the entry with the next highest score may become an alternate winner. If winner notification is returned as undeliverable, the entry with the next highest score may become an alternate winner. Subject to all U.S. federal, state and local laws and regulations. Void where prohibited. Taxes on prize are the sole responsibility of winner. Winner will be issued an IRS 1099 tax form in the amount of the prize retail value as stated herein. For winners’ list, available after March 1, 2012, send a separate, self-addressed, stamped envelope to Winners’ List/Essay Contest, Ladies’ Home Journal, 805 Third Avenue, 26th Fl., New York, NY 10017.

 For more information, visit:

http://www.lhj.com/lhj/file.jsp?item=/contests/Personal_Essay/PersonalEssayOfficialRules

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High School Profiles in Courage Essay Contest

Do you like to write essays?  Enter the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Essay Contest where you can win $10,000 as a first prize, $1,000 as a second prize, or one of the five $500 finalist awards.  Entries must be postmarked no later than Jan.8, 2012.  Visit the following link for the guidelines and writing suggestions:

http://www.jfklibrary.org/Education/Profile-in-Courage-Essay-Contest.aspx

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Contest for Pleasant Hill Middle School & High School Students $$$$$

Great writing contest for Pleasant Hill, CA students!  $$$   Go for it!   $$$$
 
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McSweeney’s Become a Columnist Contest!

So you want to be a columnist?  Here’s your chance!   

From McSweeney’s: 

It’s that time. New columnist time. Column contest time. We’ve done it each year for the past two, so we’re doing it again, basically the same way:

1. Form and content is open. We are looking for writing that is engaging and interesting, in a “we know it when we see it” way. It would probably be a mistake to look at our current columns and try to replicate them. We love those columns, but they came about by authors simply following their own paths. Write about subject matter you’re interested in, in the way you find most compelling. Our site is primarily known for printing funny things, but columns need not be comic in nature. They just need to be good reading. Please take your time to make your submission as good as possible. One of the criteria we’re looking for is a writer who is reliable and obsessive over their own work.

2. Length is also open. In general, we find anything over 2000 words begins to be taxing on readers when read on the Internet, but if the length is justified, we’re the last ones to complain.

3. Submissions should contain the following: •a brief description of the proposed column (keep it short; just tell us where you’re coming from) •one full example column •brief descriptions of three additional installments of your column •a short biographical note

4. Submitting your submissions. All submissions should be both pasted into the body of an email and sent as a .doc or .rtf attachment. Please arrange the material in the order outlined in #3 above. Any submissions that fail to provide all the requested information will be ineligible for consideration. All material should be previously unpublished, including personal blogs, Facebook, Twitter, or whatever thing is invented between now and the end of the contest. There is no fee for contest submission. Submissions should be sent to [email protected].

5. Previous winners and current or past columnists. Are not eligible for the column contest this time around. 6. Please submit only one entry per author. Pick the idea that’s most compelling to you and run with it.

7. Deadline. Submissions will be accepted until the end of the day Friday, September 9th at 10 pm Eastern time. Winners will be announced no later than September 23rd. Please include a phone number where you can be reached in case of e-mail failure.

8. Prizes. We have prizes. Cash prizes. The top five selections will each receive $500 and a one-year contract to write your column (twice a month or thereabouts) for McSweeney’s Internet Tendency. We do reserve the right to choose fewer (or more) winners than our planned number of five.

9. Responses to submissions. You will receive notice of receipt of your entry; however, because of the volume of submissions we will not be able to respond personally to each entry if they are not advancing in the contest.

10. If you have any questions that aren’t answered here, please feel free to send them to [email protected].

For more information visit  http://www.mcsweeneys.net/

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Funny but true: Wedding Snafu

Yesterday, my husband drove us in the car to complete errands, windows cracked open a few inches to allow the cool breeze inside. My right hand rested outside on the window frame. As the car picked up speed, it got a bit breezy for Bob, so he hit the power button window on his door. Only he hit the other button. It closed my window.

Zzzzt. The sound made me react immediately. I pulled in my hand so fast Bob whipped his eyes from the road.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“You pushed the wrong one. My hand was out there!”

“Oh, sorry,” he said, searching for the right switch.

Memories flooded back to our wedding day. My Uncle Arnold had painted a JUST MARRIED sign which we placed in the back window of our car. After the church service, on the way to the reception, a friend pulled up next to us at a stop light.

Mike had noticed our fallen sign. He opened the passenger door of our two-seater car, shoved my seat forward, forcing me nearly into the dashboard. I gripped the door frame for balance. Mike straightened the sign as the light turned green. He threw my seat back, and slammed the door. Mike jumped back into his own car. 

My husband was about to take off when he saw my face.

“Uh, bluh, glug . . .” sounds emitted from my mouth. They were sort of a sob/scream/gurgle. For once, pain made me speechless.

“What’s the matter?” my new husband asked. “

Uh, bluh, glug . . .” I clearly articulated.

Fortunately, our friends in Mike’s car saw my protruding fingers; Mike leaped out of the car to save them.

After I refused to go to the hospital, we raced to the reception hall where one of my bridesmaids, a nurse, assured me my hand was just badly bruised and nothing was broken. I kept an ice bag on my swollen hand for the rest of the day.

That wasn’t the only mishap of our wedding day, June 20, 1981 in Fresno, CA. It was 110 degrees, and I remember wondering if everyone in church could actually see the beads of sweat rolling down my back.

Before the church service, when my friend Carol, the pianist, asked me what time she should start playing the entrance music, I knew the answer. Being from a prompt Midwestern family, when something starts at ten a.m., it STARTS AT TEN A.M.

Carol played our cue at ten o’clock sharp. We made our way down the aisle.

We waited.

And waited.

The minutes ticked by.

Bob and I exchanged nervous glances. Where was the priest? Did he get an urgent call from nature? A rich, talkative parishioner stop by with an offer for a donation? Did the priest get cold feet?

Finally, after what seemed like an hour but was probably ten minutes, Father appeared, upset we started without him.

Obviously, he wasn’t from the Midwest.

Writing Prompts:

1. When has a sound motivated an action? By you? By a character?

2. Write a scene where a sound plays an important role in saving someone from emotional or physical pain.

3. Familiar scenes can trigger memories from long ago. Write a scene for a character which triggers a memory that is important to your character.

4. Write an important scene in your character’s life and have things go wrong. How does your character handle it? Throw obstacles in his/her way. First make the scene painful. Next, make it funny!

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California Writer Club Young Writers Contest – Check your newspaper THIS WEEK for the photo and article about the Young Writers Contest Banquet.  Jacquie Oliverius writes YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD and it’s in her column TODAY in the Pleasant Hill/Martinez Record.   Thank you Jacquie for letting me know!

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Poetry and Essay Contest for Kids Grades K – 12

The purpose of our poetry and essay contest is to bring recognition to student writers. Winners share thousands in cash and prizes. In addition to the winning entries, other entries of high merit are accepted to be published in our hard-bound anthology.

With the publication being regionally based, students are competing against their peers in both age and location. Within the guidelines of accepting less than 50% of the poems and essays that are entered in each contest, the contest is selective so that it is an honor to be accepted, yet not so exclusive that it is discouraging to enter. Unlike many other organizations who sponsor writing contests, there is no entry fee and no required purchase in order to become published. We take pride in the fact that our staff is comprised of teachers, professors and writers.

Who can enter?
Students in grades K-12 in the United States and Canada

Why should a student enter?
Thousands in cash and prizes awarded to students and teachers in each contest.

Student awards
Top Ten winners in each grade division (K-3; 4-6; 7-9; 10-12 for poetry, 3-6; 7-9; 10-12 for essay) will receive a $50 savings bond, special recognition in the book, and a free copy of the anthology that is created from the contest.

Teacher awards
Teachers with 5 or more students who returned proofsheets for publication will receive a free copy of the anthology that includes their student writers.

We have three poetry contests a year with the following deadlines.

Spring contest: entries must be postmarked by April 05, 2011.
Summer contest: entries must be postmarked by August 16, 2011.
Fall contest: entries must be postmarked by Dec 6, 2011.
Poetry rules: 
1. Poems must be the original work of the student
2.  Poems can be on any appropriate topic (no pro-violence, drugs, etc)
3.  Poems must be in English
4.  Poems must not be over 21 lines of text

Essay Contest

We have three essay contests a year with the following deadlines.

Spring contest: entries must be postmarked by.Feb 15, 2011
Summer contest: entries must be postmarked by.July 19, 2011
Fall contest: entries must be postmarked by.Oct 18, 2011

Essay Rules:
1.  Essays must be the original work of the student
2.  Essays can be on any appropriate topic (no pro-violence, drugs, etc)
3.  Essays must be in English
4.  Essays must not be over 250 words or 300 total words not counting articles such as “a, an, the, etc”.

Visit this site for entry forms:

http://www.poeticpower.com/contest.php

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California Writers Club Young Writers Contest . . . Retrieving Mail . . .

 Retrieving Mail

Opening our California Writers Club mail box, I see the familiar yellow card. This means there’s too much mail for the tiny box; I must ring the bell to the back door where I’ll receive the box of entries for our contest.

At the door there’s a frail elderly woman holding on to the wall with one hand, a cane in her other. She pushes the bell and waits. “I don’t know where they are,” she says to me. “I’ve been pushing this bell for awhile now.”

I see her body shakes slightly with the tension and work of standing. My memory flashes back a couple of years ago to my dad at ninety, fighting off Parkinson ’s disease while maintaining his dignity. He, too had trouble standing and walking.

“I guess they’re taking their time,” I say. It becomes clear that no one is coming. The woman shakes more. I’m concerned now. Her gnarled hand grabs the flat wall. I know this is not enough support for her.

I remember trying to convince Dad a cane wasn’t enough support for him either. He needed a walker. But it wasn’t until after a fall and a decree from his doctor that he obeyed.

“I’ll tell the worker at the front desk,” I say.

“Excuse me,” I tell the woman weighing a package for a customer. “But there’s an elderly woman with a cane who can’t stand long, and we’ve rung the door’s bell several times and no one is answering.”

Ms. Postal Worker sighs. She’s not swayed by my plea.  “Ring it again!”

I go back and pound on the door.

“They must be listening to music,” I tell the woman who clutches the wall.

No answer from behind the door. Next, I pound so loudly the entire block must be able to hear me.

“Your tax dollars at work,” I say.

The elderly woman smiles through her obvious difficulties.

Back to Ms. Postal Worker who grimaces at the sight of me. “I pounded and no one came.”

Ms. Postal Worker’s eyes flash. She rolls her eyes and stomps off toward the back.

At last the door opens.

I tell myself that Ms. Postal Worker has had a bad day. That she really wants to write instead of tend a scale and cash register. She didn’t really mean to take it out on me.

And I watch the elderly woman walk away. She uses her cane while hugging the wall with the other. Next she grabs the counter for support.

How long until she falls? I hope she has support around her for when she does. Does she have a someone to be there when she falls?

With our writing, we all need support. Seek out others who like to write and form a writing group. Attend writing workshops where you can meet like-minded people.

If you receive a critique, don’t react with quickly with anger. Relax. Think about it and don’t let your pride get in your way. You never know, but the person who gave you suggestions might have some good points. They may help you make your writing better. Write as often as you can. With practice, you’ll learn to make a good foundation which makes our writing the strongest it can be.

California Writers Club Young Writers Contest Tidbits:

*A big thank you to the teachers who encourage participation in our contest and who have students write in their classrooms! You know who you are.

*Students:

*You don’t have to send each entry in a separate envelope. (Now you know this for next year.) As long as you put enough postage on it, you can send all of your entries in one large envelope.  It doesn’t matter to us and you’ll save yourself time and postage.

*You don’t have to fill out two entry forms for each entry. Just one form per entry. A few people put one entry per copy. Just more work for YOU.

*If you send your entries in large envelopes, placing a regular stamp on them isn’t enough. Check the postage rates online or take them to the post office.

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Contest Countdown is here!

Attention Contra Costa County Middle School Students!  Today is March 20 and your short stories, poems and personal narratives are due POSTMARKED on April 1.    The best part about this contest is NO ONE TELLS YOU WHAT YOU SHOULD WRITE!  There is no theme.  You don’t have to write about what you did on your summer vacation, who your role model is, or why you love broccoli.  You can write about whatever YOU choose!  AND you can enter as many times as you like!  In as many categories.  Just follow the guidelines.  

In addition to the prizes listed, we award many honorable mentions.  Go for it!  What do you have to lose?   Have fun writing! 

California Writers Club Young Writers Contest Guidelines 2011

 California Writers Club, Mt. Diablo Branch, Contra Costa County

YOUNG WRITERS CONTEST

Honoring a New Generation of California Writers

     See mtdiablowriters.org for contest information

 PLEASE PRINT

Name______________________________________________________

Home Address_________________________________________________

Number   &  Street                  City                                             Zip

Home Phone_____________________E-mail Address________________

School_____________________________________________________

Grade_______________________

First and Last Name of your English (Creative Writing)

Teacher________________________________________

Manuscript Title__________________________________

MANUSCRIPT CATEGORIES (please check one):

_____ Short Story (up to 5 pages typed, double-spaced)

_____ Poem (up to 30 lines, can be single or double-spaced)

_____ Personal Narrative/Essay (up to 3 pages, typed, double-spaced)

Mail submissions to:  Young Writers Contest, California Writers Club, PO Box 606, Alamo, CA  94507

DON’T MISS OUT:  Only entries that follow the guidelines EXACTLY will be considered!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ CONTEST GUIDELINES:

1. Contest open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who live in or attend school in Contra Costa County.

2. Submit 2 copies of your manuscript. Do not include artwork or a cover. Your manuscript must be typed or computer generated at 12 point, double-spaced. No staples. Paper clips only.

3. Put your name in the upper left-hand corner of each page. Number each page.  Put manuscript title on the first page.

4. Multiple entries are welcome.  Each entry must be accompanied by a separate application form (above) or 3×5 card noting: name; home address; home phone; school; grade; e-mail address; teacher; manuscript title; and category.

5. Deadline:  Manuscripts must be postmarked by April 1, 2011. Winners will be announced when judging is complete.

6. INDIVIDUAL SUBMISSIONS BY STUDENTS PREFERRED. TEACHERS: PLEASE ENCOURAGE STUDENTS TO SUBMIT THEIR STORIES AND POEMS THEMSELVES.

­_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

PRIZES: Winning short stories and poems from each grade level will receive $100 for first prize, $50 for second prize and $25 for third prize. The Betty Tenney Essay Award of $100 will be given to the best personal narrative/essay in each grade. Second and third place prizes may be awarded in this category at the judges’ discretion. Prizes will be presented to winners on May 21, 2011, at a lunch banquet. A published author will speak. Parents are welcome.

TEACHERS: We are striving to encourage individual creativity and expression. Do not send entire class assignments. Teachers of winning students will be invited to attend the May 21 banquet.

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CALLING ALL TEACHERS – Writing Contest for K – 12 Students!

Who Can Participate:       Students in Kindergarten – Grade 12

Here’s How It Works:

Students write an essay, poem, or thank-you letter (500 words or less, in English on 8.5″ x 11″ white paper) sharing how a teacher has influenced their life and why they appreciate and admire them. Each entry should be submitted with the entry form and a parent or legal guardian must sign the entry form acknowledging that they have read the Official Contest Rules.

Participating schools will collect the essays and provide them to their local Barnes & Noble store representative. Deadline for entries is Friday, March 18, 2011. Winners are selected, and the local store and community celebrations begin! If your school is not participating in the contest and you would like your teacher to be considered for the local and regional award as well as the national Barnes & Noble Teacher of the Year Award, please submit your signed entry form in person or by mail to your local store. Forms must be postmarked by March 18, 2011 and can be sent to any Barnes & Noble store near you

 (a complete list of stores is available at http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com).

A store representative will ensure it is entered into the pool of entries for the awards.

What Students Get:   The students who write the winning essays or poems will receive a certificate of recognition and be honored at their local store during a ceremony for the winning teachers.

What Teachers Get:  The winning teacher will be recognized at an event at their local Barnes & Noble store where they will receive a special award acknowledging their achievement, a set of ten (10) Sterling Children’s Classics books for their library, and additional recognition and praise from their community.

The six regional winners will each receive a NOOK™ eBook Reader and a $500 Barnes & Noble Gift Card. The winner of the “Barnes & Noble Teacher of the Year” award will receive $5,000 and be recognized at a special event at a Barnes & Noble store. The winning teacher’s school will receive $5,000 as well, and an author visit by Laurie Halse Anderson, a New York Times bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. The winner will also receive five copies of the winning essay published in hardcover by Tikatok.com, the site where students create and publish their own books, and a $250 Tikatok Gift Card that will allow the teacher to publish select stories written by students in their class.

Visit this site for more information:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/my-favorite-teacher/379002376/

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Last night as I drove in darkness along a city street,  two bright lights attached to a large vehicle turned directly into MY lane. 

Holy hot fudge.  My foot slammed onto the break.

Unwavering, the lights barreled forward, without slowing in momentum. 

At my right, pedestrians walked.  On my left, cars whizzed by.   A head-on collision flashed before my eyes. 

What was this driver thinking?  Was he drunk?  Drugged?  Confused? 

I leaned on the horn. 

At the very last second possible, he turned into a driveway to his left leading to a church. 

I gasped.  Weakness spread me; my arms felt as though I could barely hold the steering wheel. 

He saved himself a few minutes of waiting in traffic by driving on the wrong way of the street at night, in order to sneak into the church parking lot.   If I hadn’t been paying close enough attention and braked I wouldn’t be writing this blog right now. 

Writing Prompts:

1.  As writers and readers and people of the universe, we need to pay attention to everything.  Write about a time in your life where someone wasn’t paying close attention to their surroundings. 

2.  Write about a time where you weren’t paying close attention to what was happening to you or others around you. 

3.  Take 15 minutes of your day to practice “slow-down-the-moment.”  Pay attention to every sense you experience.  Walk outside into nature.  What scent do you smell?  How can you describe it with words on paper?  What do you see?  Hear? How does your skin feel in the weather at that moment?  Touch tree bark, a plant, an animal or an object.  How does the texture feel? 

4.  Practice gratitude.  At the end of each day, think of three things you are grateful for in that very day.  Had a lousy time of it today?  Then think small.  Did your breakfast cereal have a good crunch?  Your teacher or friend give you a smile?  Or think big.  You had breakfast, unlike many homeless people.  Write about the act of gratitude in a poem.

5.  Ever have a heart-thumping life-threatening moment?  Write about it or them in detail.  Show how it made you feel.  And make this moment a learning experience.  How can it help you in your every day life?

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