Events: Proud to Be Bilingual Essay Contest

2003 Topic:
“Proud To Be Bilingual”

Deadline:
November 15, 2002

Categories:
Elementary: Grades 3-5
Middle/Junior High: Grades 6-8
High School: Grades 9-11

Prizes/Awards:
National First Place High School Winner: educational scholarship payable to college of choice.
National First Place Middle School Winner: certificate for purchase of technology learning aide.
National First Place Elementary School Winner: certificate for purchase of technology learning aide.
National winners, one parent/guardian, and their bilingual teacher will receive an all-expense paid trip to the NABE 2003 Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, January 29 – February 1, 2003.

Eligibility:
Participation is limited to students who are learning English as a new language through a bilingual education program where content instruction is provided in both English and the student’s native language.
Students must have a “B” average or better in academic grades.
Students must have a 90% school attendance rate or better.
Previous winners are not eligible to participate.

Criteria:
Each essay will be judged on (1) development of the theme, (2) originality, (3) content and clarity of expression, and (4) grammar and mechanics.

Language:
All essays must be written in English; however, all selected winners must be prepared to present their essays in English and their native language at an awards ceremony during the NABE 2003 Conference, in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Subject:
All essays must address the theme, “Proud To Be Bilingual”, to be eligible.

Application:
An application form, containing the name of the contestant, his/her native language, home address with ZIP code, telephone number with area code, grade, name and address of school, name of bilingual teacher and school principal, and name of the school district must be stapled to the essay. Names should not appear on the essay. Essays become the property of NABE and will not be returned. NABE reserves the right to publish all essays. Applications require a teacher’s signature verifying that student meets eligibility criteria.

Format:
The essay must be handwritten IN INK or typed DOUBLE SPACED.

Submissions:
A maximum of (3) three essays per grade category will be accepted from the same school. A cover letter on school stationery signed by the principal should accompany the submissions.

Judging:
A panel of judges selected by the Houston Independent School District will determine the national winners in each grade category. Essays should be sent to:
NABE 2003 Nationwide Writing Contest
ATTN: Jaime E. de la Isla
Houston Independent School District
3830 Richmond Avenue
Houston, TX 77027
Tel: (713) 892-6800

Please visit http://www.NABE.org for more information.