1. It is your responsibility to provide your students with the necessary tools to write their essays including helping them build a solid understanding of the “Ten Principles to Live By” as described in James P. Owen’s book, Cowboy Ethics. 
2. Adhere to the timeline provided.
3. In order to receive the $300 teacher sponsor stipend, at least 15 essays or full class, whichever is highest, (including the local 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners) must be submitted. Each teacher must provide a roster for their class, no matter their class size.
4. Submit all your essays in the google form provided on the website.
   • * Upload the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place local winners individually, and all of the other essays in bulk. We need to have complete student information for all local winners in order for them to receive their prize.
5. If more than one educator participates at one school, each teacher must submit their own essays online. Each teacher will be awarded $300 for full class participation. Awards will not be split amongst multiple teachers from one school.

• Judges Information
• Packet Request
• Essay Submission
• EFT Form
• Blank W-9 Form

1. Assign each essay an anonymous number.
2. Download the local judging information from the Teacher Information Packet above.
3. Print copies of the Judging Information, the Tally Form for Judge’s Use and Judging Rubric for each judge. Only one copy of the “Final Tally of All Essays” needs to be filled out to determine winners.
4. Each school must hold a local judging to select the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place essays from each high school.
   • The local judging must be anonymous. Proof of the judging will be the signed “Tally Form For Judge’s Use” for each judge.
   • All local judging sheets must be submitted online with your essays.
5. The winners of the local competition will then go on to participate in the state competition. In order to receive the state awards, participants must attend the awards banquet. If the winner is not in attendance, the next highest placing contestant present will be awarded.

Prizes are substantial for this contest, and each participating high school is guaranteed at least 3 student winners at the local level for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. In appreciation of your time and effort, we provide the following incentives:

Class Participation: $300 

Anniversary Awards:

Additionally, you are eligible to receive the following anniversary awards:

5 years $500 | 10 years $500 | 15 years $1,000 | 25 years $2,000

Teacher Sponsor of State High School Winners:

If your student’s essay wins at the state level, you receive the following cash prizes:

1st $1,000 | 2nd $750 | 3rd $500

• All prize money will be distributed via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) to the bank of your choice. A completed Electronic Credit Application and W-9 must be submitted for prize money to be transferred. Forms included and may also be submitted via Google Forms. 
• The Awards Luncheon will be held April 14, 2024 at the Ramkota Hotel in Casper.
• Additionally, each Local High School 1st Place Winner will receive one free night stay at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Casper, Wyoming, for the Saturday evening before the Awards Luncheon.
• All RSVPs for the Awards Luncheon and room reservations are due by April 8, 2024. Rooms must be canceled within 48 hours of the event or guests will be charged full amount.