Deadline for entries:

Notification of winners:

Many people have become known as heroes or heroines in the history of our world. Acts of bravery, special skills, unusual talents, visionary thinking, and self-sacrifice may be reasons someone gains this recognition. A hero or heroine could be defined as a person admired for his or her achievements and noble qualities. He or she may also be one who shows great courage or inspiring leadership.

Peace is understood to mean not only an absence of hostilities or war, but also a state of harmony existing between people, groups, or nations. Sometimes countries go to war in an attempt to bring peace by military means. Yet throughout history, many other people have worked for peace and justice through non-violent and non-military means. Unlike Martin Luther King, Jr., Abraham Lincoln, and Mother Teresa, for example, these people are often the unacknowledged heroes of history. The experiences of these unheralded peacemakers are sometimes told in songs and stories, but only a few make the history books or headlines.

The 2004 Peace Essay Contest challenges you to find and bring recognition to one of these lesser-known heroes or heroines. You may find them in your family or neighborhood, in your community or nation, or in places all over the globe. They may have lived in the past or might be living today. They may have used pens, music, shovels, diplomacy, or a variety of other common or unusual tools to build peace

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

500-1000 word essay.  

By talking with others and researching, discover someone who has worked for peace and justice through non-violent and non-military means. Your essay will then consist of two parts.

In the first part of your essay describe:

1. Who the person is/was and how he/she has worked for peace and justice, 
2. What prompted the person to choose to work for peace, and 
3. Why you think what the person did was important in creating peace and justice in our world.

In the second part of your essay, explain how that person’s experiences might inspire you, in your lifetime, to work toward a more peaceful and just world in which to live.

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

250-500 word essay.

By talking with others and researching, discover someone who has worked for peace and justice through non-violent and non-military means. Your essay will then consist of two parts.

In the first part of your essay describe:

1. Who the person is/was
2. How he/she has worked for peace and justice, and 
3. What prompted the person to choose to work for peace.

In the second part of your essay explain why you think what the person did was important in creating a more peaceful and just world in which to live.

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 a 3" x 5" 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 5, 2003, to:

2004 Peace Essay Contest
Modesto Peace/Life Center
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, Pam Franklin, Elaine Gorman, Suzanne Meyer, Deborah Roberts, and Sandy Sample.

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

(209) 529-5750