2009 Laws of Life Contest Overview
The Laws of Life Essay Contest offers middle and high school students the opportunity to express the values that are important to them, through an emphasis on reflection and writing. Participants write essays to identify the laws of life which mean the most to them. Students are encouraged to explain their choices by offering examples of experiences they have had, lessons, they have learned, and people who have made an impact on their lives. The contest is also designed to help teachers and principals improve the "moral ethos" of their classrooms and schools.
Ultimately, the Contest is about concerned adults in a community working together to support, honor, and publicly recognize young people who reflect upon and write about their personal beliefs and values.
What are the laws of life?
The "laws of life" are the rules, ideals, and moral principles by which we live. Literally hundreds of such laws exist - some are so clear that almost all people can agree that these laws are true. For instance, honesty and compassion rank as universal values in all cultures and societies, regardless of religious beliefs.
What is this year's suggested topic?
Every year, we offer a suggested topic to help get students started. This year's suggested topic is "Loyalty and Integrity." Students may elect to write about just one of the traits (ex: just loyalty), or students may elect to write about the traits together (ex: loyalty and integrity). However, please note this is only a suggested topic. Students may elect to write about any law of life that means the most to them. All essays will be judged fairly, regardless of the topic. Please encourage students to write about what means the most to them - that is what makes this contest so special!
Who sponsors this contest?
In North Carolina, The Jesse Helms Center Foundation is the contest organizer, although any student from any state may submit an essay to this particular contest. The Laws of Life Contest was created by philanthropist Sir John Marks Templeton more than a decade ago.
What are the awards?
A combination of cash and savings bond prizes are awarded to top finishers in the middle and high school divisions.
High School Division: Middle School Division
First Place - $1,500 First Place - $500
Second Place - $750 Second Place - $250
Third Place - $500 Third Place - $100
Ten finalists from each division will also be selected. Press releases will be submitted to top finishers' and finalists' hometown newspapers. They will also receive recognition on our Laws of Life website.
Why is this contest unique?
The winners of this contest are not necessarily the students with the best grades, but the students who can best express what is in their heart and can best explain why their topic is so important. The contest is also unique because any student can enter, without respect to class standing or grade point average.
Who is vital to the contest?
TEACHERS! Teachers can use this contest as part of character education lessons, or may encourage students to write individually. If you would like to use this contest as a teaching tool in your class room, please download a contest manual. If you are unable to use the contest as a teaching school, we still ask that you take the time to share the contest with your students. In schools where teachers encourage (and even prod!) their students to write an essay, the number of essays submitted dramatically increases.
What support is available?
There are numerous sources of information available. A teacher's guide and a contest manual can be provided at no cost. These provide valuable tips from announcing the program to a sample lesson plan for teachers who wish to use the contest in their curriculum. There is also an informational video available. Lawsoflife.org will provide on-going instructional tips, and current news concerning the contest. To obtain copies of this material at no cost, please e-mail lindsay@jessehelmscenter.org or call (704) 233-1776, ext 8.
What are the Rules?
The rules for the contest are very basic, but it's important for each student to follow them closely. Only essays which adhere to the rules will be considered for top awards. Please click here to download a copy of the contest rules. Or, contact Lindsay Hollandsworth by email at lindsay@jessehelmscenter.org or by phone at (704) 233-1776, ext. 8.
For More Information...
Lindsay Hollandsworth, Director of Marketing at The Jesse Helms Center, is available to answer questions concerning the Laws of Life Essay Contest. In addition, she will be glad to visit and speak with teachers, parents, students, or sponsors on how to start a local contest. Ms. Hollandsworth may be reached at 704-233-1776, by fax at 704-233-1787, or e-mail lindsay@jessehelmscenter.org.
Sample Student Writing
"One of the most important skills that exists is perseverance; the ability to overcome obstacles and continue the quest to achieve one's visions."
Matthew Starr, age 17
Mecklenburg County, NC
This essay's topic was her mother's courage:
"I would never tell you, lest I destroy our perfect balance, what you have meant to me and what you have, unknowingly, shown me through your courage."
Julia Dunlap, age 17
Moore County, NC |
