2023-2024   People Making a Difference in Children's Lives

This statewide essay contest explores the important and varied influencers in the lives and education of children – from the children’s perspective. Every day children are exposed to a variety of people and each one has an opportunity to influence the path a child decides to take. Whether it is someone that sparks an interest in a new topic, helps them work through a problem, shapes the kind of person they want to become by modeling behavior, simply listens to them, or any number of other actions, this is the platform for students to share their appreciation. The student must personally know the influencer that they are writing about.

Students may consider many questions when writing their essays including (but not limited to):

• Why is this role model important in your life?
• What life lessons, ethics, or skills has the influential role model taught you?
• Why do you look up to this role model and appreciate having him or her in your life?
• How would your life be different without this role model?
• How would other kids benefit for having a similar role model in their lives?

Instructions:

• The application deadline February 15, 2024.
• Entries must include a completed WSPTA Essay Contest online application form. The form can be found in the Washington State PTA Application and Submission Portal.
• The student must personally know the influencer that they are writing about.
• Essays will be scored on the current state learning standards for writing and will be scored on content, organization, language/conventions, and style per the program judging form.
• Entries must be no more than 650 words.
• One entry per student; multiple entries from one student will be disqualified.
• Each entry must be an original, not be written by a parent (no edits can be made if typed into online form by parent!) or professional, has not previously won a prize, and does not infringe upon the copyright or other proprietary rights of any third party.
• Awards will be presented in the Spring.
• Optional: The online form is required. However, if you would like to share a drawing or picture of the essay or a picture of the subject of the essay you may send it by email to [email protected]. This is not a requirement.

More information and official rules can be found here. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]