What is the Laws of Life Contest?
The Laws of Life Essay Contest invites young people (in middle and high school) to express in writing their personal ideals and the laws of life they value most. The Contest is also designed to help teachers and principals improve the "moral ethos" of their classrooms and schools.
Ultimately, the Contest is about concerned adults in a community working together to support, honor, and publicly recognize young people who reflect upon and write about their personal beliefs and values.
The Laws of Life Contest was created by philanthropist Sir John Marks Templeton more than a decade ago.
What are "Laws of Life?"
The "laws of life" are the rules, ideals, and moral principles by which we live. Literally hundreds of such laws exist - some are so clear that almost all people can agree that these laws are true. For instance, honesty and compassion rank as universal values in all cultures and societies, regardless of religious beliefs. If practiced by everyone, these laws of life would benefit us all and improve the world in which we live.
What is this year's Topic?
The Laws of Life Essay Contest offers young people the chance to think about what they stand for. What makes the contest special is its emphasis on reflection and writing. As participants write their essays, they must identify the laws of life that mean the most to them, and explain their choices through the experiences they have had, the lessons they have learned, and the people who have served as living examples. Simply stated, the topic is open to the students' choice.
Who Sponsors this Contest?
In North Carolina, The Jesse Helms Center Foundation is the contest organizer. Support for the contest comes from private citizens who want to encourage students in their pursuit of sound character. These sponsors want to support the schools as they encourage students to develop healthy attitudes toward the moral standards that our society has always recognized as essential for the mutual good of all citizens. Today, there are contests each year in every part of the country and in new countries around the world, including the Bahamas, Great Britain, and Russia.
What are the Awards?
Contest awards are made up of cash and/or savings bonds for participants at all levels.
Why is this Contest unique?
The winners of this contest are not necessarily the students with the best grades, but the students who best understand the importance of the topic and can best express what is in their heart. While it is expected that every entrant will want to do their best with all the technical parts of the writing process, the judges will make their decisions on the naturalness and sincerity of the essay. Any interested student should be encouraged to enter, without regard to class standing.
Who is vital to the Contest?
TEACHERS! Time and time again, Contest sponsors talk about how important it is for teachers to believe in the ideals and benefits of the Contest. Sponsors report that in schools where teachers encourage (and even prod!) their students to write an essay, the number of essays submitted dramatically increases. Each year, dedicated teachers involved in the Contest are publicly recognized for the support and encouragement they give to their students.
What support is available?
There are numerous sources of information available. A teacher's guide and a contest manual are provided by the John Templeton Foundation at no cost. These provide valuable tips from announcing the program to a sample lesson plan for teachers who wish to use the contest in their curriculum. There is also an informational video available. Lawsoflife.org will provide on-going instructional tips, and current news concerning the contest. To obtain copies of this material at no cost, contact The Jesse Helms Center.
What are the Rules?
Essays should be original work, no more than 1,200 words in length, neatly written or typed (double spaced) and related to the specific character trait. On the back of each essay submitted, students should include their name, school, teacher, grade level, and school phone number. Essays should be postmarked by May 2, 2008.
For More Information...
Lindsay Hollandsworth, Director of Marketing at The Jesse Helms Center, is available to answer questions concerning the Laws of Life Essay Contest. In addition, she will be glad to visit and speak with teachers, parents, students, or sponsors on how to start a local contest. Ms. Hollandsworth may be reached at 704-233-1776, by fax at 704-233-1787, or e-mail lindsay@jessehelmscenter.org.
Sample Student Writing
"One of the most important skills that exists is perseverance; the ability to overcome obstacles and continue the quest to achieve one's visions."
Matthew Starr, age 17
Mecklenburg County, NC
This essay's topic was her mother's courage:
"I would never tell you, lest I destroy our perfect balance, what you have meant to me and what you have, unknowingly, shown me through your courage."
Julia Dunlap, age 17
Moore County, NC |
