Deadline for entries:

Notification of winners:

The dawning of the new millennium invites us to dream about our future and to imagine possibilities for a more peaceful world. We each have our own hopes and dreams for a better life for ourselves, our families, and our friends. A view of the earth from space helps us realize that we belong not only to a local family but also to a wider global community. Shaping the future of our planet depends on each of us sharing our dreams and working together to make them a reality.

The Peace Essay Contest for the Year 2000 offers students an opportunity to share their hopes, dreams, and concrete ideas for creating a more peaceful world.

Division I (grades 11 and 12)
and
Division II (grades 9 and 10):

In an essay of 500-1000 words, describe three dreams you have for the future that will make your world a better place in which to live. Develop and explain a plan to achieve one of these dreams. Include some of the character traits and skills that you would need to make this happen, and specify how you would convince others of the importance of your dream.

Division III (grades 7 and 8)
and
Division IV (grades 5 and 6):

In an essay of 250-500 words, describe three dreams you have for the future that will make your world a better place in which to live. Then explain how you might make one of these dreams come true. Include some of the character traits and skills that you would need to make this happen.

2. Submit one copy of your essay. Essays in Division I & II must be typewritten, double spaced. Essays in Divisions III & IV must be either typewritten or written in dark ink, double spaced. Use one side of white paper 8 1/2 x 11 inches. Number the pages consecutively. Your essay must be of a quality to photocopy legibly.

3. Attach an index card with your name, mailing address (including city and zip code), and telephone number. Also include your school, grade, and teacher’s name on the index card. YOUR NAME SHOULD NOT BE ON OR IN THE ESSAY.

4. Cite any quotations, borrowed ideas, and facts that are not general knowledge. If you are uncertain about plagiarism, ask your teacher.

5. You must do your own work. However, you may ask a teacher, parent, or friend for constructive criticism.

6. The Modesto Peace/Life Center reserves the right to reprint entries. Entries will not be returned.

7. Mail all entries, postmarked no later than December 3, 1999, to:

2000 Peace Essay Contest

P.O. Box 134

Modesto, CA 95353-0134

I. Content:

A. Does the essay demonstrate concern for establishing a more peaceful world?
B. How useful/practical/well-developed are the ideas?
C. Does it address the given topic?

II. Style:

A. Is the essay original and interesting?
B. Is it written with conviction?
C. Does the personality of the writer come through?

III. Clarity of expression:

A. Are the ideas clearly stated?
B. Is the essay well-organized?
C. Does it have an effective beginning and ending?

IV. Mechanics:

A. Is grammar, spelling, and punctuation reasonably correct?
B. Does the author cite all quotes, borrowed ideas, and the facts that are not general knowledge?
C. Does the essay stay within the word limit?

First, Second, and Third prizes will be awarded in each of the four divisions which have at least 15 entries. In the event that fewer than 15 entries are entered in any one division, all prizes may or may not be awarded in that division at the discretion of the judging panel. Group entries (more than one author) are welcome.

The writer of the best essay in a division from a school which has ten or more entries in that division will be honored as the school winner. All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.

2000 Peace Essay Committee: Margaret Barker, Indira Clark, Judith Cochran Pirkle, Pam Franklin, Elaine Gorman, Deborah Roberts, and Sandy Sample.

The Modesto Peace/Life Center
P.O. Box 134 — 720 13th St.
Modesto, CA 95353-0134

(209) 529-5750