Gilroy Memorial Day Essay Contest

We have freedoms in our country because people have fought – and died – in wars to protect those freedoms.

Essay contest theme:

“What is the significance of Memorial Day to me?”

Who can participate?

All students in the 3rd to 12th grades who attend public or private schools are eligible to enter.

The essay contest is judged within three divisions:

Elementary School: Grades 3-5

Middle School: Grades 6-8

High School: Grades 9-12

1st, 2nd, 3rd place winning essays in each of the three categories will be awarded prizes:

• 1st Place    $75                                       
• 2nd Place   $50    
• 3rd Place    $25

Contest Rules

• All student essays must address the theme, “What is the significance of Memorial Day to me?”
• Students will submit one original essay of 250-500 words typed and double-spaced.
• Students are encouraged to discuss the essay theme with teachers, parents and friends.
• Student must write the essay in his/her own words.
• The essay should be positive and clearly focused on the theme.
• Teachers and parents may check essays, but the content of an essay must remain that of the student.
• An official Memorial Day Essay Contest entry form must accompany the completed essay.
• Deadline for entries is May 23, 2012.

Criteria for Judging Essays

• Essays will be evaluated on the quality of writing that is associated with the appropriate grade.
• Essays will be evaluated on a 100 point system with up to 10 points for following directions, up to 20 points for spelling and grammar, up to 20 points for readability and organization and up to 50 points for originality, adherence to theme, content and overall impact upon the reader.

Winners will be notified by telephone, May 23, 2012.

Winners are invited to ride in the Gilroy Memorial Day Parade – Monday, May 28, and will be invited to read their essay at the Family Fun Day at Christmas Hill Park following the parade.

Memorial Day in Gilroy, Essay Contest Entry Form (form can be printed to the right of this article)

    Division:

• Grades 3- 5
• Grades 6-8
• Grades 9-12

(Please print clearly)
Student’s Name: __________________________________________
Street Address: ___________________________________________
City, Zip: ________________________________________________
Name of School: __________________________________________
Grade: __________________________________________________
Age: ____________________________________________________
Home Phone: ____________________________________________
Email: __________________________________________________
Student:  I certify that this essay is original and was written by me.  I agree to participate in the Gilroy Memorial Day Essay Contest and to adhere to the contest rules.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
(Student’s Signature)

Parent or Guardian:  I certify that the attached essay is my child’s original work.  He or she has my permission to participate in the Gilroy Memorial Day Essay Contest and we agree to adhere to the contest rules.

________________________________________________________________

(Parent or Guardian’s Signature)

Mail Completed entry form and essay to:  Memorial Day Essay Contest

Gilroy Chamber of Commerce
7471 Monterey Street, Gilroy, CA 95020