Annual Statewide Writing Contest For Latino Students
TOPIC: "Why is it important to be counted as a Latino in the United States Census?"

The Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition invites Latino students throughout the Commonwealth to participate in a statewide writing contest. They will have an opportunity to submit essays on the topic: "Why is it important to be counted as a Latino in the United States Census?" The winners, together with their parents, will be invited to the Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition Conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which will be held October 22 - 24, 2009.

PRIZES/AWARDS

There shall be three categories of winners:

3rd - 5th grades

6th - 8th grades

9th - 12th grades

Prizes will be awarded as follows:

First Place Winner in each category: $500

Second Place Winner in each category: $300

Third Place Winner in each category: $100

All participants will receive a certificate of participation for submitting an essay.

CRITERIA

Essays will be judged on:
(1) development of the theme
(2) originality
(3) content and clarity of expression
(4) grammar and mechanics
(It is suggested that this not be just a classroom assignment)

RULES

1. Essays can be written in English or Spanish.

2. All essays must address the theme “Why is it important to be counted as a Latino in the United States Census” to be eligible for consideration.

3. The contest is limited to students in grades 3-12.

4. The suggested length of the essay is as follows:

            Elementary, Grades 3-5                      150-200 words
            Middle / Jr. High, Grades 6-8           250-350 words
            High School, Grades 9-12                   350-500 words
            No essay over 500 words will be accepted!

5. The number of words must be checked and recorded at the end of each essay. Essays without the number of words recorded will not be read.

6. The essay must be legible—printed by hand or typed.

7. The name of the contestant, home address with zip code, telephone number with area code, grade, name, telephone, and address of school, and name of teacher, parent, or agency must be typed on a 3” x 5” index card and stapled to the essay. Names should not appear on the essay.
(If confirmation of receipt is desired, include a self-addressed stamped envelop).

8. All essays become property of the PA Statewide Latino Coalition and will not be returned. Submissions may be included in a student essay publication.

JUDGING

A Committee of Judges selected by the Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition will judge the essays submitted. Send essays to:

Prof. Maria Teresa Donate
Counseling Department
Northampton Community College
3835 Green Pond Road
Bethlehem, PA 18020

FAXES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED

• Entries must be postmarked no later than October 2, 2009.
• Winners will be notified no later than October 15, 2009.
• For further information, please click button below to send email:

         (tdonate @ northampton . edu)

The Pennsylvania Statewide Latino Coalition members represent both the public and private sectors of our community including education, health/mental health, the arts, business, government, housing and local community-based organizations. These leaders have come together to address the issues and concerns affecting the social, economic, educational and political advancement of Latino populations across the Commonwealth.