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Rules 

Essay Theme: “Home is Where the Habitat is”

Rules: For a complete list of rules and/or updates, please contact us at (352) 438-2478.

  1. Open to any Marion County student in grades 4 through 12, and the work must be the individual student’s own.
  2. Contestants must submit four (4) typewritten copies of their essay, double spaced on 8 ½ x11 inch plain white paper, with a one-inch margin.
  3. Essays must be typed using a standard size 12. Font suggested: Times New Roman, Arial, Trebuchet MS, or Corbel.
  4. Essays must be a minimum of four (4) pages and a maximum of five (5) pages in length. The cover page and bibliography do not count toward the page requirement.
  5. Entries must include a cover page with the following information: contestant’s name, address, telephone number, school or club name, teacher or advisor’s name, and grade level. Do not include your name or any other identifying information on the essay pages.
  6. Points will be deducted if rules are not followed, or if the essay is submitted after the deadline.   

JUDGING CRITERIA

  • Three competent and impartial judges will be selected. Their decisions are final.
  • A standard score sheet will be used, based on the following criteria:
  1. Content – 50 points: Knowledge of subject; develops and follows the theme; presents accurate facts; stimulates thinking; originality (no plagiarism).
  2. Composition – 30 points: Innovative style (keeps interest, clear message, easily understood); effective opening and closing; proper transitions; correct use of grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and punctuation.
  3. Organization – 20 points: Neatness, legibility, correct cover page, conformance to length.

AWARDS

Winners chosen from two divisions:

Grades 4th-8th and Grades 9th-12th

  • 1st Place – $100
  • 2nd Place – $75
  • 3rd Place – $50

DEADLINE

Essays must be (e)mailed or hand-delivered no later than: Friday, December 13,2024 – 4 p.m.
Marion Soil and Water Conservation District
2710 East Silver Springs Blvd; Ocala, FL 34470
Mailed entries must be postmarked on or before the due date.
MSWCD is not responsible for essays lost in the mail.
For additionalinformation, contact MSWCD at (352) 438-2478 or Stefani.Duarte@MarionFL.org
Participation earns points to the Youth Conservationist of the Year Award