LatiNola Announces Its First Fall Youth Essay Contest
Objective
Puentes/LatiNola is a community development organization whose mission is “to build assets and create access for the Latino community of the Greater New Orleans area.” The purpose of the essay contest is to encourage middle school and high school students to reflect on the impact the Latino community has had on New Orleans as well as the United States.
Prompts
1. Grades 5-8
• Pick an example of a Latino/a you look up to and admire. Explain the reasons why you would pick that person as someone to look up to and admire.
2. Grades 9-12
• How have Latinos/as shaped the great “melting pot” of the United States in ways that have enriched the country and made it better?
Essay Length
1. Grades 5-8
• 200-500 words
2. Grades 9-12
• 500-1000 words
Essay Format
1. Essays may be typed or neatly hand-written.
2. Essays may be written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese.
Essay Evaluation Criteria
1. Each essay should
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the topic.
• Demonstrate the student’s own serious reflection on the topic.
• Be focused and well reasoned.
• Use correct spelling and grammar.
• Be creative.
2. All entries will be judged, according to age category, using the following criteria:
• Awareness of the topic (1/3 total score)
• Quality and depth of ideas (1/3 total score)
• Style and mechanics (1/3 total score)
Submitting Essays
1. Essays should be submitted to Puentes/LatiNola by November 20, 2009
• To turn in paper copies see principal or teacher in charge.
• Essays may also be mailed or emailed to Puentes/LatiNola
• Mailing Address:
• 1050 S. Jefferson Davis Parkway
Suite 321
New Orleans, LA 70125
• For more information contact Puentes/LatiNola at:
• Phone: 504.821.7228
• Email: education@puentesno.org
2. Cover sheet should include the following:
• Student’s Full Name
• Student’s Age
• Student’s Grade
• Name of Teacher
• Name of School
• Address and Telephone Number of School
• Contest Deadline
Awards and Recognition
Winning essays will be published on the LatiNola website (http://latinolanow.org) and will be recognized at an awards ceremony at the end of the Fall term.
Tags: essay contest, high school, latinola, LatiNola Youth, middle school, new orleans