Mayor Alvin Brown Essay Contest

In support of Duval County Public Schools Jacksonville Goes to College Week, students are encouraged to participate in the Mayor Alvin Brown Essay Contest with a chance to win some great prizes. There will be three (3) winners from each of the following categories: High School (9-12), Middle School (6-8) and Elementary School (K-5). First place essays in each category will receive The New iPad with Wi-Fi - 16GB. Second place essays in each category will receive a Google Nexus 7 with Wi-Fi 8GB. Third place essays in each category will receive a $150.00 gift card. All submissions must be received by midnight Oct. 8, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified on Oct. 12, 2012. In todays global economy, everyone must learn to communicate as effectively as possible, making the art of the written word a crucial component of a well-rounded education. Mayor Brown is proud to offer this competition as an incentive for all students to practice their skills and raise the bar for educational excellence in Jacksonville. The Mayor Alvin Brown Essay Contest will have the following judging criteria: 1. Essay title: With A College Degree I Can 2. Title page must include: essay title, students name, grade, school and the name of a contact teacher. 3. Essay is to be 4-5 pages in length, double-spaced, Arial 12 point font (approx. 1,000-1,500 words). Elementary level essays are to be 1-2 pages (250-500 words). 4. Essay contest begins - September 27. 5. Essay contest ends October 8 at midnight. 6. Essays are to be judged on: a. Form (30 points) - This is the structural part of the essay--the "bones" upon which the rest hangs.
Grammar (10 points) (spelling, punctuation, etc.) Students are urged to proofread their essays and to ask for additional proofreading assistance. There is no reason for mistakes. Organization (10 points) Organization of an essay means the pattern of ideas expressed in the essay. Craftsmanship (10 points) The use of proper words, sentence structure, paragraphing, etc. b. Content (60 points) This is the essential part of the essay. Students are challenged to be as substantive as possible. Goal Statement (30 points) It is essential that a goal be specified. Goals should be clearly articulated and understood. Supporting Statements (30 points) The statements must support the goal. Statements of concrete steps and milestones already accomplished towards the goal are examples of strong support. c. Impression (10 points) These points are awarded based on the judge's reaction. Writers are challenged to create the impression that the goal stated and supported by this essay has a reasonable chance of being achieved.

Essays are to be submitted electronically to mayorbrownessaycontest@coj.net. Essays can be faxed to: 630-2910, Attention: Cedric Cruse. Essays also can be mailed to: Cedric Cruse Program Manager, Education Initiatives 117 West Duval Street, Suite 240 Jacksonville, FL 32202