2009 César Chávez Essay Contest Application and Rules

Name: ______________________________ Date of Birth: _______ Grade: _____
Address: _______________________________ City: _____________ State: _____
School: ________________________ English Second Language Learner Yes___ No ___

Essay Theme: César Chávez inspired farm workers and millions of people who never worked on a farm to commit themselves to social, economic and civil rights activism. César’s legacy, like the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., continues to educate, inspire and empower people from all walks of life. He is a role model for all Americans and for generations to come.

Essay Questions / grade level:

Elementary (grades 3 – 5) : Who was César Chávez and why he is an American Hero?

Middle School (grades 6 – 8 ): Martin Luther King Jr. and César Chávez brought people together to demand basic civil and human rights. What changes came about as a result of their hard work and dedication to improving the lives of others?

High School (grades 9 – 12): - Martin Luther King Jr. and César Chávez brought people together to demand basic civil and human rights. How did both men use non-violent social action to improve the lives of farm workers and people of color throughout the United States?

Essay Requirements

Division I (Grades 3-5) 100 Word Essay

Division II (Grades 6-8) 250 Word Essay

Division III (Grades 9-12) 500 Word Essay

1. Prepare your essay by researching the life and values of Cesar Chavez in books and valid websites.

2. Your essay should include:

• Information about the life and values of César Chávez
• His contributions to society

Winners will be selected from each age group (3-5, 6-8, 9-12).
Winners will be honored at a special César Chávez Day Celebration.
Winners will be notified by phone no later than Thursday, March 27, 2009.

Acknowledgment and Consent / Reconocimiento y Consentimiento:

I, the parent or guardian of the above named individual, acknowledge that Univision, its parent company, Entravision and Washoe County School District may utilize winning essays, photographs and information of named individual for publicity and/or media purposes. I consent to such uses and hereby waive all rights to compensation.

Yo, el padre o guardián del individuo mencionado arriba, reconozco que Univision, parte de la compañía Entravision y Washoe County School District puede usar el ensayo, fotografías e información para publicidad y/o para propósitos del medio de comunicación. Yo autorizo el uso de este material y renuncio a los privilegios de recibir cualquier compensación.

Signature of Parent/Guardian / Firma del padre o guardian: _______________________________________

Printed Name / Nombre: _________________________________ Date / Fecha: _____________________

Rules

1. Contest is open to all active 3-12 grade students enrolled in Washoe County School District.
2. Requirements (failure to meet any requirement disqualifies the essay):

a. The essay must be either typewritten or neatly written in dark ink and double spaced. Use one side of white paper 8-1/2 x 11 inches. Number the pages consecutively.
b. Submit one copy of your essay. Attach an index card with your name, mailing address, telephone number, and your school, grade, and teacher’s name.
c. Cite any quotations, borrowed ideas, and facts that are not general knowledge. Any plagiarized work will be disqualified.
d. The essay must be written by answering the question noted above according to your grade level.
e. The essay must be in English, except those written by students in English Language Learner (ELL) classes.
f. All entries must be received by 12:00 (noon) on Monday, March 24, 2009 and submitted to via school mail or regular mail:

Sue Davis, Teaching American History Project Director
P.O. Box 30425
Reno, NV 89520-3425

g. Entries will not be returned.

Judging

A distinguished group of local educators and César Chávez Community Celebration Planning Committee members will judge the essays. Judging guidelines include:

1. Content:

• Does the essay demonstrate an understanding of the life accomplishments and values of César Chávez?
• Does the essay address the essay question noted above?
• Does the essay persuade the reader?

2. Style: Is the essay original and interesting? Is it written with understanding and conviction? Does the personality of the writer come through?

3. Clarity of expression: Are the ideas clearly stated? Is the essay well-organized? Does it have an effective beginning and conclusion?

4. Mechanics: Is grammar, spelling, and punctuation reasonable accurate? Does the author cite all quotes, borrowed ideas, and the facts that are NOT general knowledge? Does the essay stay within the word limit?

First, Second, and Third place prizes will be awarded in each of the three divisions at the awards ceremony. All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

Notification of Winners

On March 27, 2009 winners will be notified. All winning entries will be displayed and prizes will be presented at the awards ceremony at Circus Circus Hotel & Casino on March 31, 2009.

Questions: Contact Sue Davis at (775) 861-1241 or Fátima RivasFatima Rivas at (775) 789-3437.

STUDENT CHECKLIST FOR PERSUASIVE ESSAY

Your essay will be scored based on the questions below. Please check your essay by reading the following questions and making sure that you have all of the necessary parts.

Use the following list to check your essay:

1. Do you have an interesting introduction with a clear thesis statement that makes the reader want to read your essay?
Is it interesting enough to “grab” your reader? Yes ___ No ___

2. Does your writing prove that you have a strong opinion about César Chávez and his work? Yes ___ No ___

3. Did you use strong arguments to make your point

    Do you have clear reasons, facts, opinions, and emotions? Yes ___ No ___

4. Did you answer to any counterarguments your reader might have?

    Did you write about what other people might think about your idea?

    Did you write back to their opinions? Yes ___ No ___

5. Did you support your idea with research?

    Have you used good references for your information? Yes ___ No ___

6. Is your essay organized in a logical way?

    Can you clearly identify your introduction, body and conclusion? Yes ___ No ___

7. Do you have a reasonable conclusion with your main arguments and counterarguments?

    Does your ending pull it all together and make sense?

    Does it state your idea again? Yes ___ No ___

8. Have you checked your spelling and punctuation?

    Did you use school language? Yes ___ No ___

9. Do you have 5-7 paragraphs?

    Do your paragraphs each have a clear topic?

    Is there one paragraph for the introduction and one paragraph for the conclusion?

    Do you have 3-5 paragraphs for your arguments and counterarguments? Yes ___ No ___