Howard County Commission for Women
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST – 2011
THEME
The theme for the 2011 Women’s History Month essay contest is “Our History Is Our Strength.” Until relatively recently, the sphere of women's history was overlooked and undervalued. But the stories of women’s achievements are integral to the fabric our history. Learning about women’s tenacity, courage, and creativity throughout the centuries is a tremendous source of
strength. Knowing women’s stories provides essential role models for everyone.
RULES
Essays may describe either a contemporary or historical American woman.
All Howard County Maryland students in grades 6 through 12 (public, private and homeschooled) are eligible.
Only an individual student writer may submit an essay.
Essays must be written in paragraph format, be 500 words in length, double spaced, and
12 point font.
Submissions must include the following information:
o name and grade
o home phone number and address
o e-mail address
o school’s name and complete address
Essays may be submitted
o via e-mail to women@howardcountymd.gov (use subject line: WHOF Essay
Contest), or
o by mail to: WHOF Essay Contest, Howard County Commission for Women, 6751
Columbia Gateway Dr, Ste 300, Columbia, MD 21046
Essays submitted via e-mail must be in MS Word and sent as an attachment.
All entries are the property of the Howard County Commission for Women.
The decision of the judges and the Commission for Women is final.
Essays received via e-mail will be confirmed by e-mail within one business day. If receipt is not received, please call 410-313-6400.
CRITERIA FOR JUDGING ESSAY
Theme must be clearly addressed.
Responses must include information based on research as well as personal experience
and/or opinion.
Content must include relevant, authentic information and ideas must be fully developed.
Content must demonstrate critical and creative thinking.
Proper grammar, spelling and punctuation must be consistent with accepted usage.
DEADLINE
Essays must be received by 5:00 pm on Tuesday, January 18, 2011.
AWARDS
U.S. Savings Bonds ($200) will be awarded to the first place winners in each grade category (6-
8 and 9-12). Winners will be invited to read their essay at the Women’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Thursday, March 10, 2011, 7:30 PM at Howard Community College.
More information here.
This blog is no longer updated. Please instead visit Writers For Diversity for new opportunities for women/ LGBT writers and writers of color. Thank you.
