s an adjunct to our education program, WE CAN sponsors an annual series of essay competitions for grades 5-12, to encourage students to discover the joys and rewards of writing, and to think critically and creatively about connections between historical and contemporary events and experiences. To foster a critical think / problem-solving process that is less abstract in nature, all essays must be written in the first person. Entries are read and scored by a panel of judges and evaluation emphases are placed on the sincerity, quality, and viability of the ideas expressed. Competitions are open to students throughout Los Angeles, and over $8,000 in cash prizes have been awarded to inner-city students since 2006.
Competition Rules
Currently, the program is offered to students in Los Angeles County. Essays must be written in the first person and not exceed 2,500 words. Essays must be typed, double-space, on 8.5” x 11” paper, and must have a cover page with: (1) entrant’s full name and home address; (2) name and address of the entrant’s school; (3) entrant’s grade and age; (4) a parent / guardian signature; and (5) the entrant’s signature. Pages must be stapled, folded in thirds, and mailed in a number 10 (business size) envelope. All entries must be post-marked by January 31, 2010 and mailed to:
WE CAN Essay Competition Series
P O Box 663
Woodstock NY 12498-0663
2009-10 Competition
WE CAN’s fourth annual Essay Competition Series encourages the idea that each person has the personal power to alter their behavior to be respectful of the Earth generally and their immediate environment specifically. To learn more about the four categories of sustainable activities that comprise this year’s Essay Competition Series, click here.
Essay Competion winners
2006-07 |
We Can Dream (grades 11-12)
Grand Prize—Kimi Gupta
Second Prize—Alicia Gilliam |
First Prize—A’Ishah Hicks
Third Prize—Gabriela Solorio
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2007-08 |
We Can Learn (grades 5-6)
Grand Prize—Khalil Harvey
Second Prize—Vivian Sandoval
We Can Understand (grades 7-8)
Grand Prize—Boonyarak Wetsuwan
We Can Love (grades 9-10)
Grand Prize—Tia Jai Whiteside
We Can Dream (grades 11-12)
Grand Prize—Sarai Carrillo
Second Prize—Antonio Garcia |
First Prize—La’Keysha J. Fairley
First Prize—Iveette Silva
Third Prize—Felipe Reyes
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2008-09 |
We Can Learn (grades 5-6)
Grand Prize—Alondra Herrea
Second Prize—Jenifer Espitia
We Can Dream (grades 11-12)
Grand Prize—Grace Liu |
First Prize—Chardonnay McKinney
Third Prize—Rachal Starr |
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